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Optimization of mechanical properties and electrical conductivity in Al–Mg–Si 6201 alloys with different Mg/Si ratios

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 September 2020

Siamak Nikzad Khangholi Open the ORCID record for Siamak Nikzad Khangholi [Opens in a new window] ,
Mousa Javidani ,
Alexandre Maltais  and
X.-Grant Chen
Siamak Nikzad Khangholi*
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Science, University of Québec at Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QuébecG7H 2B1, Canada
Mousa Javidani
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Science, University of Québec at Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QuébecG7H 2B1, Canada
Alexandre Maltais
Affiliation:
Arvida Research and Development Center, Rio Tinto Aluminum, Saguenay, QuebecG7S 4K8, Canada
X.-Grant Chen
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Science, University of Québec at Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QuébecG7H 2B1, Canada
*
a)Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The effects of the Mg/Si ratio and aging treatment on the strength and electrical conductivity of Al–Mg–Si 6201 conductor alloys were investigated. Four experimental alloys with different Mg/Si ratios of 2, 1.5, 1, and 0.86 and with a constant Mg level of 0.65 wt% were prepared. It was revealed that excessive Si (a low Mg/Si ratio) increased the peak strength, while the corresponding electrical conductivity decreased. To fulfill the minimum required electrical conductivity (52.5% IACS), the alloys with low Mg/Si ratios required a longer aging time after peak aging to improve electrical conductivity. The alloy with an Mg/Si ratio of ~1 was the best candidate, exhibiting the highest strength up to 54% IACS. On the high end of electrical conductivity (54–56% IACS), the alloy with an Mg/Si ratio of ~1.5 provides a better compromise between strength and electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the strengthening mechanisms and the factors influencing electrical conductivity were discussed for further optimization.

Keywords

Al–Mg–Si conductor alloyselectrical conductivitymechanical propertiesMg/Si ratiowire drawing
Type
Article
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 35 , Issue 20 , 28 October 2020 , pp. 2765 - 2776
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020, published on behalf of Materials Research Society by Cambridge University Press

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