ABSTRACT
This article discusses the effects of various modifications on the properties of aluminum alloys for structural applications. The effect of reinforcing particles on the mechanical properties of wrought 6063 aluminum alloy arising from our previous works is extensively discussed to identify the most promising reinforcing particles. It also discusses the improvement in mechanical properties of 1200 aluminum alloy using silicon carbide particulates. The effect of micro-alloy additions on the mechanical properties is also outlined in this article based on the results from our previous experimental works. Effect of combining heat treatment and deformation on the mechanical properties of wrought aluminum alloys is also presented. Results presented show that particle reinforcement, deformation, and microelemental additions to aluminum alloy result in significant improvement in mechanical properties of the alloys considered. Addition of reinforcing particles of barite, silicon carbide, iron fillings, and electric arc furnace dust are found to impart improved tensile strength to aluminum alloy. The most outstanding finding is that synergy between particle addition, deformation, and heat treatment has a good prospect in the production of improved aluminum alloy materials for automotive applications.
