Microstructure evaluation of the Al-Ti alloy with magnesium addition

Purpose: Effects of magnesium additions to Al alloy with 2% Ti addition on the microstructure, phase morphology and distribution and mechanical properties were investigated. Here are presented mainly microstructure changes after solution heat treatment concerning mainly grain uniformity and intermetallic phases of the aluminium - titanium alloy with a content of 2 and 4 % of magnesium addition. The purpose of this work was also to determine the solution heat treatment conditions of the investigation alloys. Design/methodology/approach: The reason of this work was to determine the heat treatment parameters influence, particularly SHT temperature and time onto the changes of the microstructure of the investigated material, as well to determine which intermetallic phases occur after the heat treatment performed, and how is the particles morphology in as cast state compared to structure after heat treatment. Findings: After solution heat treatment for 4 hours the structure changes in a significant way. The grains are larger and no more uniform as in the as cast state. The most stable intermetallic in the Al-Ti system is the Al3Ti phase. The solution heat treatment time should be greater than 4 hours to ensure a proper solution of titanium and magnesium in the Al-a solid solution. Research limitations/implications: The investigated aluminium samples were examined metallographically using optical microscope with different image techniques, scanning electron microscope and also analyzed using a Vickers micro-hardness tester, also EDS microanalysis was carried out. Practical implications: As an implication for the practice an alloy can be developed with increased properties, which could be of great interest for the automotive or aerospace industry. There are existing many different investigation areas and the knowledge found in this research shows one of interesting investigation direction. Originality/value: The combination of light weight and high strength achieved in the Al-Ti alloys is very attractive for aerospace and automotive industries. Addition of magnesium into the Al-Ti alloy could help also to reveal the existence new unknown phases.