Abstract
The results of microstructure examinations and studies of selected mechanical properties of four aluminium alloys used in the production of automotive air-conditioning ducts (AA3103, AA5049, AA6060, AA6063) before and after the ASTM G85:A3 SWAAT Test (Sea Water Acetic Acid Test) for corrosion resistance are presented. Materials used for the manufacture of such components should be temperature stable, and therefore thermal resistance tests were carried out in a wide range of temperatures, i.e., −25 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C, 140 °C, 180 °C, and 220 °C. Annealing was performed for 72 h and 240 h, followed by cooling in water. The obtained results have proved that the non-precipitation-hardenable AA3103 and AA5049 alloys remain stable in the entire range of the investigated temperatures. The measured microhardness of these alloys was 43–46 HV0.1 for AA3103 and 56–64 HV0.1 for AA5049. The microhardness of the 6xxx series aluminium alloys was not stable in the investigated range of temperatures. The maximum was observed in the temperature range of 100–140 °C, which corresponded to the precipitation process of intermetallic phases, as further confirmed by microstructure observations. After the corrosion test, the mechanical properties and elongation decreased by about 5–20%.
Highlights
Aluminium alloys are widely used in various industries
All tested alloys have a regular shape of grains, with a mean grain diameter of 20 μm for AA3103 and
The results obtained in this study have led to the following conclusions: 1. Both AA3103 and AA5049 are stable within the entire range of the investigated temperatures
Summary
Aluminium alloys are widely used in various industries. One of their applications is the manufacture of components for heat exchangers in vehicles. The automotive industry uses the chemical agent R134a as a vehicle refrigerant, which belongs to the HFC group This is, a transitional situation only, given that the EU Directives require its change in the near future for environmental reasons. The most sensitive areas are those where individual parts are joined by brazing and where the occurrence of phase heterogeneity is unavoidable [9] Despite this fact, aluminium alloys are an excellent material for this type of application and hold an important place in the modern automotive industry. The main aim of the research described in this paper was to determine the thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties of four aluminium alloys, i.e., 3103, 5049, 6063, and 6060, used in the manufacture of automotive air-conditioning components, and to investigate their suitability for operation with new agents
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
