Abstract

In this study, the effects of artificial aging heat treatment on mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of AA6XXX alloy were investigated. The effects of artificial aging time on microstructure and mechanical properties of alloy were analysed and at the same time corrosion behaviour was determined by corrosion tests. For experimental investigations, the alloy samples prepared in appropriate sizes were heated to 540°C (±0.5°C) with heating rate 10°C/min. by electrical resistance ceramic furnace. For the solution heat treatment, samples were kept in the furnace at this temperature for 4 h. The samples taken from the furnace were firstly poured into iced water at 10°C and then subjected to artificial aging at 190°C for 2, 4, 6, 10, 12 and 24 h. Finally, the samples taken from the furnace were left to cool down in stagnant air. The results show that the mechanical properties of the material were increased with increasing aging time. Corrosion tests have shown that the corrosion resistance of the alloy depends on the artificial aging time.  The best value of corrosion resistance was obtained at a temperature of 190°C at 10-h aging period.

Key words: AA6XXX aluminium alloy, artificial aging, mechanical properties, corrosion behaviour.