Effects of Ferro-Silicon addition, heat-treatment and plastic deformation on corrosion resistance of 6063 Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

6063 aluminium alloy is widely used in architectural applications such as window and door frames because of its nice appearance and acceptable strength. Its major alloying elements are magnesium and silicon. Not many studies focused on the influence of plastic deformation and the alloy content on post-processing quality and corrosion resistance of the alloy have been published. Considering the influence that variation in chemical composition could have on the properties of the alloy, this work aims to investigate the effects of Ferro-Silicon addition, heat-treatment and cold rolling on post-processing quality and corrosion resistance of 6063 Aluminium Alloy. 5000 g of Aluminium 6063 alloyed with 500 g of ferrosilicon was produced. Cast samples from the alloy were homogenized at 350 ºC before cold rolling in the range of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% reduction. The corrosion behaviour of the produced alloy was evaluated using a potentiodynamic test in a 3.5wt % sodium chloride solution. The results show that the addition of FeSi and cold- rolling results in improved mechanical properties but has little effect on corrosion resistance. Heat-treatment has not caused significant impact in corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of the alloy.