Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Squeeze Cast Aluminium Alloy (Al-Si Alloy)

Abstract

Scrap aluminium alloy are littered everywhere because poor recycling outlets. These Al-alloy could recycled to other useful products such as household accessory. These scraps are collected from used aluminium components such as knocked engine blocks, shipping containers, etc. Products sand casting shown high percentage of different types of defects, therefore squeeze casting method was attempted. Scraped Al-alloys were collected and casted using squeeze casting method, and the mechanical properties and microstructures of the casts were determined by varying the cast conditions such as pouring temperature, pouring time and the applied pressure to the mould. The results obtained for tensile test, hardness test, impact shows that the specimen P3 (700 oC, 10 min and 20 Mpa) had improved properties of 214 MN/mm2, 77.06 BHN and 16.06 J respectively than that of sand cast Al-alloy.