Gradual solution heat treatment of AlSiCuMg cast alloys

The microstmcture characteristics of AlSiCuMg cast alloys were studied with different Cu content and the gradual solution treatment by DSC, SEM, TEM and mechanical method. The melting point of α(Al) + Si decreases and polynary eutectic phases with low melting point form with increase of Cu content. Gradual solution treatment includes two steps:solution treating near the melting point of polynary eutectic phase to take it dissolve first, and then increasing solution temperature to take the remainder copper intermetallics dissolved into o(Al). Grain boundaries melting can be avoided by gradual solution treatment, even the maximum solution temperature is above final solidification point, and the age hardening response increases correspondingly.