Characterisation of AlFeSi intermetallics in 6000 series aluminium alloy extrusions

Alloys designed to optimise strength and extrudability have a lower alloy Mg to Si ratio than has commonly been used in AA6060 and AA6063 alloys. Intermetallic phases have an impact on alloy design since they tie up some of the Mg and Si alloy content. The effect of Mg and Si alloy content on the type of intermetallic phases present has been investigated using TEM, SEM and Thermocalc analysis. Results for Al-Mg-Si-Fe alloys with 0.46 - 0.70 wt%Mg, 0.27 - 1.24 wt%Si and 0.09 - 0.22 wt%Fe are presented. The occurrence of a-AlFeSi (various stoichiometries), b- Al5FeSi, p-Al8FeSi6Mg3, Mg2Si and Si has been found to depend on alloy composition within the ranges examined.