Evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties of M-SIMA processed Al-7Si alloy

In this research article, the effect of the strain-induced melt activation (SIMA) process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al-7Si alloy has been investigated. The morphology of alpha-Al grains is changed from dendritic to fine spherical and flaky type eutectic Si to a fine fibrous eutectic Si after the modified strain-induced melt activation (M-SIMA) process. The intermetallic compounds are refined and distributed uniformly throughout the matrix after the M-SIMA process. The mechanical properties have been improved due to fine spherical grain formation with refined eutectic Si. A high tensile strength (UTS: 204 MPa) with a remarkable improvement in ductility (El: 30%) is achieved after the M-SIMA process at 585 degrees C for 30 min in comparison to the as-cast Al-7Si alloy (UTS: 117 MPa, El: 16%).