나노/마이크로 인덴터와 AFM을 이용한 스퀴즈 캐스트 A356 합금의 시효경화특성 평가

Evaluation of Age-Hardening Characteristics of Squeeze-Cast A356 Alloy by Using Micro/Nano Indenter with AFM

The nano/microstructure, the aging response (in T5 heat treatment), and the mechanical/tribological properties of the eutectic regions in squeeze-cast A356 alloy were investigated using nano/micro-indentation and mechanical scratching, combined wit optical microscopy and atomic force microscope(AFM). Most eutectic Si crystals in the A356 alloy showed a modified morphology as fine-fibers. The loading curve for the eutectic region was more irregular than that of the primary Al region due to the presence of various particles of varying strength. In addition, the eutectic region showed lower pile-up and higher elastic recovery than the primary Al region. The aging responses of the eutectic regions in the squeeze-cast A356 alloys aged at $150^{\circ}C$ for different times(0, 2, 4, 8, 10, 16, 24, 36 and 72 h) were investigated. As the aging time increased, acicular Si particles in the eutectic regions gradually came to a fine structure. Both Vickers hardness ($H_V$) and indentation ($H_{IT}$) test results showed almost the same trend of aging curves, and the peak was obtained at the same aging time of 10 h. A remarkable size-dependence of the tests was found. The friction coefficient for the eutectic region was lower than that for the primary Al region.