Effect of Si content on surface hardening of Al–Si alloy by shot peening treatment

Abstract

The effect of Si content was investigated for Al–Si alloys (Al-7%, 11%, 18%Si) by shot peening process. The hardness increment by shot peening increased as the Si contents in Al–Si alloys increased. Finer Si particles and more dense distribution of those were observed in Al–18%Si than Al–7%Si. As Si contents of Al–Si alloys increased, grain size at the surface area of Al–Si alloy decreased. Higher hardness of Al–Si alloy with higher Si content could be attributable to more dense and refine Si particles and accelerated grain refinement during severe deformation.