metals

Article
Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Hot-Forged
6082 Suspension Parts via Rapid IR Heat Treatment
Yi-Ling Chang ID
, Fei-Yi Hung * ID
and Truan-Sheng Lui
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
lingiscute@gmail.com (Y.-L.C.); luits@mail.ncku.edu.tw (T.-S.L.)
* Correspondence: fyhung@mail.ncku.edu.tw; Tel.: +886-6-2757-5756-2950




Received: 25 May 2018; Accepted: 28 June 2018; Published: 29 June 2018


Abstract: Post-forging heat treatment is often necessary to achieve the mechanical properties required
for aluminum alloy forged parts. In this study, hot-forged 6082 suspension parts are used to study
the effect of rapid infrared (IR) heat treatment. The insoluble particles present in the matrix after the
solutionizing process are observed. Experimental results show that using rapid IR heat treatment
leads to superior solutionizing, and thus a larger critical onset strain in serrated tensile flow. The rapid
IR heat treatment also had a more significant precipitation effect, which enhanced the mechanical
properties of the material.

Keywords: rapid infrared (IR) heat treatment; 6082 suspension parts; forging; solutionization; critical
onset strain

1. Introduction
Among 6xxx (Al–Mg–Si) series aluminum alloys, 6082 aluminum alloy has a very attractive
combination of light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and high recyclability [1]; hence,
they had been widely used in the automotive industry, for instance, in automobile suspension
components. The main additives for 6082 aluminum alloy are magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si),
with Fe, Mn, and Cr used as additional elements to enhance properties (e.g., tensile strength and grain
size control) [2].
Most automobile suspension components are manufactured using a high-temperature forging
process, which allows the production of high-precision near-net shape parts. The forging process
changes the microstructure and mechanical properties of the material [3]. Although grains are prone
to grow in the subsequent heat treatment [4], 6082 aluminum alloys are heat-treated to increase their
strength, impact resistance, and toughness [5]. Thus, the subsequent heat treatment, called post-forging
heat treatment (PFHT), is indispensable.
In the PFHT process, a solution heat treatment and the artificial aging is included. In the solution
heat treatment process, once the material is held at an elevated temperature for a sufficient time,
all the constituents (e.g., Al–Mg–Si phases) are taken into solid solution, producing a single phase.
A supersaturated solid solution (S.S.S.S) forms after water quenching. Aging heat treatment then
leads to the formation of finely dispersed precipitates, modifying the required mechanical properties.
The precipitation sequence for 6xxx alloys is generally: S.S.S.S → Mg clusters, Si clusters and Mg-Si
co-clusters → Guinier-Preston (GP) zones → β” → β’and B phase → β (Mg2 Si, stable), where the
most effective hardening phase is β” [6,7]. However, a typical PFHT cycle may take many hours, thus,
a rapid heat treatment method is thus urgently needed. To curtail the PFHT duration, many heat
treatment methods had been investigated.
Fluidized bed solution treatment is used as a rapid heat treatment method for Al–Mg–Si alloys [8].
However, the heat transfer media used in the fluidized bed (fine hard media, such as sand) is

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inconvenient for for reheating

reheatingandandrecycling.
recycling.Using
Using a salt
a salt bath
bath method
method can can reduce
reduce the duration
the duration of
of heat
heat treatment and enhance the yield strength of 6082 extruded specimens
treatment and enhance the yield strength of 6082 extruded specimens [9]. However, salt bath heating [9]. However, salt bath
heating is astate
is a liquid liquid state heating
heating method,method,
and thereandis athere is a that
danger dangerthe that the salt particles
salt particles will erupt will erupt
and and
explode
explode due to
due to rapid rapidby
cooling cooling
water,by water, acausing
causing potentiala potential safety problem,
safety problem, and thusand has thus
beenhas beenin
banned banned
many
in many countries.
countries. Additionally,
Additionally, rapid infrared
rapid infrared (IR) method
(IR) heating heating method
had beenhad been
used as aused
rapidasheating
a rapid method
heating
method
to curtailtothe
curtail the pre-heating
pre-heating durationduration of forging
of forging processprocess
[9], in an [9],
IRinheating
an IR heating
furnace,furnace, heat transfer
heat transfer occurs
occurs via convection
via convection and radiation.
and radiation. The methodThe method is thus
is thus clean and clean
has and has heating
a rapid a rapid rateheating
and rate and
accurate
accurate
temperaturetemperature control
control [10]. [10]. According
According to our to our previous
previous study,study,
it hadit been
had been
found found
thatthat
usingusing rapid
rapid IR
IR heating
heating method
method could
could curtail
curtail thethe duration
duration of PFHT
of PFHT of 6082
of 6082 forgings
forgings [11].[11]. However,
However, in that
in that study,
study, the
the effect
effect ofheat
of IR IR heat treatment
treatment on hot-forged
on hot-forged 60826082 aluminum
aluminum alloyalloy has been
has not not been clarified,
clarified, especially
especially that
that
of IRofrapid
IR rapid heating
heating on on 6082
6082 real
real bodyforgings.
body forgings.This Thisinvestigation
investigationalso also determines
determines the critical
critical
parameters
parameters for for PFHT
PFHT of of 6082
6082 real
real body
body forgings.
forgings.

2.
2. Experiments
Experiments
Hot-forged
Hot-forged 6082
6082suspension
suspensionparts werewere
parts used used
as the as
study
thematerial. Figure 1a Figure
study material. shows a1aphotograph
shows a
of
photograph of the real body 6082 forged parts. The chemical composition of the forgings in
the real body 6082 forged parts. The chemical composition of the forgings is given Table in
is given 1.
The
Tablesampling location is
1. The sampling shownisinshown
location Figurein1b.
Figure 1b.

Figure 1.1. (a)

(a)Photograph
Photographof of
realreal
body 60826082
body aluminum forging
aluminum and (b)
forging andthe(b)
diagram of sampling
the diagram location
of sampling
(all dimensions
location are in mm).
(all dimensions are in mm).

Table 1. Chemical composition of 6082 aluminum alloy.

alloy.

Element
Element Mg
Mg Si
Si Cu
Cu Mn
Mn Cr
Cr Fe
Fe Zr
Zr Al
Al
wt. % 1.07 1.18 0.09 0.90 0.14 0.24 0.001 Bal.
wt. % 1.07 1.18 0.09 0.90 0.14 0.24 0.001 Bal.

Forged parts were heated using conventional heat treatment (resistance heating, RH) and IR heat
Forged parts were heated
treatment, respectively. Typicalusing conventional
solution heat
temperatures treatment
and (resistance
times were utilizedheating, RH)baseline
to establish and IR
heat treatment, respectively. Typical solution temperatures and times were utilized
information. To replace the conventional heat treatment, the longest duration for solution heat to establish
baseline
treatmentinformation. To replace
was controlled thethan
to be less conventional heat treatment,
2 h. The experimental the longest
parameters andduration forshown
codes are solution
in
heat treatment
Table 2. was controlled to be less than 2 h. The experimental parameters and codes are shown
in Table 2.
In addition, the comparison of temperature profiles between specimen heated in RH furnace and
In addition, the comparison
that heated in IR furnace of temperature
is showed in Figure 2. profiles between specimen heated in RH furnace and
that heated in IR furnace is showed in Figure 2.
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Table 2. Experimental parameters and specimen codes.

Table 2. Experimental
Code Solution Heat parameters
Treatmentand specimen codes.
Artificial Aging
RH10 RH, 560 °C, 10 min -
Code Solution Heat Treatment Artificial Aging
RH30 RH, 560 °C, 30 min -
RH10 RH,560 ◦
560°C,C,120
10 min -
RH120 RH, min -
RH30 RH, 560 ◦ C, 30 min -
IR10
RH120 IR heating,
RH, 560 560 °C, min
◦ C, 120 10 min --
IR30
IR10 IRIRheating,
heating, 560
560 ◦°C, 30min
C, 10 min --
IR120
IR30 IRIRheating, 560 ◦°C,
heating, 560 30min
C, 30 min --
IR120 IRRH,
heating, ◦ C, 30 min
RH30-2H 560 560
°C, 30 min RH, 180 -°C, 2h
RH30-2H RH, 560 ◦ C, 30 min RH, 180 ◦ C, 2 h
RH30-6H RH, 560 °C, 30 min RH, 180 °C, 6h
RH30-6H RH, 560 ◦ C, 30 min RH, 180 ◦ C, 6 h
IR30-6H
IR30-6H IR, 560 °C,
◦ 30 min
IR, 560 C, 30 min IR,
IR, 180 C, 6hh
180 °C,
◦ 6

Figure Comparison of
2. Comparison
Figure 2. of temperature
temperature profiles
profiles between
between specimen
specimen heated
heated in resistant heat
in resistant (RH) furnace
heat (RH) furnace
and that heated in IR furnace.
and that heated in IR furnace.

The measurement conditions for Rockwell hardness followed the B-scale. The mean value for
five impressions
impressions was wastaken
takenasasthe thehardness
hardness ofof thethe
corresponding
corresponding condition.
condition. The The
microstructure
microstructureand
secondary
and phase
secondary of the
phase alloy
of the after
alloy heat
after treatment
heat treatment were
wereobserved
observedusingusingoptical
opticalmicroscopy
microscopy (OM;(OM;
OLYMPUSBX41M-LED,
OLYMPUS BX41M-LED,OLYMPUS, OLYMPUS, Tokyo,
Tokyo, Japan) Japan) and scanning
and scanning electron electron
microscopy microscopy (SEM;
(SEM; HITACHI
HITACHIHITACHI,
SU-5000, SU-5000,Tokyo,
HITACHI, Japan)Tokyo, Japan) with energy-dispersive
with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry X-ray
(EDS;spectrometry (EDS;
EDAX, Singapore,
EDAX, Singapore,
Singapore). For theSingapore).
OM observations,For thethe OMsamples
observations, the samples
were ground using were groundfrom
SiC papers, using SiCtopapers,
#120 #4000,
frompolished
and #120 to in#4000,
an AlandO
2 3 polished
aqueous in an Al
suspension 2 O(1.0
3 aqueous
and 0.3 suspension
µm) and an (1.0
SiO 2and 0.3
polishing μm) and an
suspension SiO
and2
polishing
then etchedsuspension
using Keller’s and then and
reagent etched
KMnO using
4 . To Keller’s
quantify reagent and KMnO
the microstructural 4. To quantify
changes the
after solution
microstructural
treatment, changes
an image after solution
analysis method treatment,
was applied an image analysisthe
to determine method was applied
area fraction to secondary
of the determine
the areawhich
phase, fraction
wereofmeasured
the secondary usingphase,
ImageJwhich
softwarewere(National
measured using ImageJ
Institutes software
of Health, (National
Bethesda, MD,
Institutes
USA, of Health,
version: Bethesda,
1.48), where each MD,
valueUSA, version: 1.48),
was calculated fromwhere each X-ray
10 images. value diffraction
was calculated
(XRD;from
Bruker10
images.
AXS X-rayKarlsruhe,
GmbH, diffraction (XRD; Bruker
Germany) AXS
analysis with GmbH,
Cu KαKarlsruhe,
radiation wasGermany)
employed analysis
in thewith Cu Kα
2θ range of
◦
radiation ◦ was employed in the 2θ range of 10° to 60° to identify the
10 to 60 to identify the secondary compounds. Microstructural feature (precipitates) observations secondary compounds.
Microstructural
were carried outfeature (precipitates)electron
using transmission observations were (TEM;
microscopy carriedTecnai
out using
F20 G2,transmission electron
EFI, Hillsboro, OR,
microscopy
USA). (TEM; Tecnai
The specimen F20 G2,
of tensile testEFI, Hillsboro,
is cut from theOR, USA). location
sampling The specimen
(showed of tensile test1b)
in Figure is cut
by from
wire
the sampling
electrical location
discharge (showed method.
machining in FigureThe 1b)dimensions
by wire electrical discharge
of the tensile testmachining
specimen are method.
shownThe in
dimensions
Figure of thetests
3. Tensile tensile
were test specimenusing
performed are shown in Figure
a universal 3. Tensile
testing machine tests were
in air at performed using a
room temperature.
universal
And testing
the strain machine
rate is 1.66 × air−3atsroom
in 10 −1 . temperature. And the strain rate is 1.66 × 10−3 s−1.
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Figure 3. Schematic diagram of tensile test specimens (all dimensions are in mm).
Figure 3. Schematic diagram of tensile test specimens (all dimensions are in mm).
The tensileFigure 3. Schematic
testing diagram of tensile
of the as-quenched test specimens
specimens (all dimensions
was conducted aremin
after 10 in mm).
(T4 condition).
TEM, XRD, and SEM analyses on the samples were conducted after 7 days of natural aging.
The tensile
The tensile testing
testingofofthe
theas-quenched
as-quenched specimens
specimens waswas
conducted
conductedafterafter
10 min
10 (T4
mincondition). TEM,
(T4 condition).
XRD,
3.TEM, and
XRD,
Results SEM
andand analyses on the samples were conducted after 7 days of natural
SEM analyses on the samples were conducted after 7 days of natural aging.
Discussion aging.

3. Results and Discussion

3. Results
3.1. Effect of and Discussion
IR Heating on Solutionization
3.1. Effect of4aIRshows
Heating on hardness
Solutionization
3.1.Figure
Effect of IR Heatingthe profiles of the solutionized specimens after water quenching.
on Solutionization
Initially, the IR-heated specimens
Figure 4a shows the hardness profiles have higher hardness than that ofspecimens
of the solutionized RH-heatedafter specimens.
water Figure 4b
quenching.
shows Figure
thethe 4a
hardnessshows the hardness
of specimens
the specimens profiles of the solutionized specimens after water quenching.
Initially, IR-heated have after
higher 7 hardness
days of natural
than that aging. The common
of RH-heated solution
specimens. heat4b
Figure
Initially, the
treatment IR-heated specimens have higher hardness than that of RH-heated specimens.and Figure 4b
shows the hardness of the specimens after 7 days of natural aging. The common solutionRH-
time for 6082 aluminum alloy is 120 min [9,11]. On both IR-heated specimens heat
showsspecimens,
heated the hardness of the specimens after 7 identical
days of after
natural aging.
min of The common solution afterheat
treatment time forthe 6082hardness
aluminum values
alloybecome
is 120 min [9,11]. On both 30 IR-heated solutionizing.
specimens and And RH-heated 7
treatment
days time
natural theaging,for 6082
specimen aluminum
IR30 alloy
has the is 120
highest min [9,11].
hardness On both IR-heated specimens and RH-
specimens, hardness values become identical after 30 minvalue, showing that
of solutionizing. Andthe higher
after heating
7 days natural
upheated
rate specimens,
leads to a the hardenability.
better hardness values The become
results identical
also show after
that 30
theminbestofsolutionization
solutionizing. time
And forafter
IRto7
aging, specimen IR30 has the highest hardness value, showing that the higher heating up rate leads
days natural
heating, aging,
the specimen IR30 has theis highest hardness value, it isshowing that the higher heating
a better among
hardenability. conditions
The results tested,
also show 30thatmin.
the However,
best solutionization inadequate
time for IRto heating,
measure the
among
up rate leads
effectiveness to a better
of solution hardenability.
heat The results also show that the best solutionization time for IR
the conditions tested, is 30 treatment
min. However,only by it hardness.
is inadequateAs a to
result,
measurecalculation of the second
the effectiveness of phases
solution
heating,
area among the conditions tested, is 30 min. However, it is inadequate to measure the
heatfraction
treatment andonly the mechanical
by hardness.properties
As a result, after T4 and T6
calculation of heat treatment
the second were
phases performed
area in the
fraction and the
effectiveness
followed of solution
experiment. heat treatment only by hardness. As a result, calculation of the second phases
mechanical properties after T4 and T6 heat treatment were performed in the followed experiment.
area fraction and the mechanical properties after T4 and T6 heat treatment were performed in the
followed experiment.

Figure 4. 4.
Figure Hardness ofof
Hardness various heat-treated
various specimens
heat-treated ofof
specimens (a)(a)
as-quenched; (b)(b)
as-quenched; natural aging
natural forfor
aging 7 days.
7 days.

Figure54.shows
Figure Hardness of various heat-treated specimens of (a) as-quenched; (b) natural aging for 7 days.
Figure 5 showsmetallographic
metallographicimages
imagesofofvarious
variousheat-treated
heat-treatedspecimens.
specimens.
Figure 5 shows metallographic images of various heat-treated specimens.
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Figure 5. Microstructural features of (a) RH10; (b) RH30; (c) RH120; (d) IR10; (e) IR30; and (f) IR120.
Figure 5. Microstructural features of (a) RH10; (b) RH30; (c) RH120; (d) IR10; (e) IR30; and (f) IR120.
Figure 5. Microstructural features of (a) RH10; (b) RH30; (c) RH120; (d) IR10; (e) IR30; and (f) IR120.
On the IR10 and RH10 specimens, lots of recrystallized grains can be observed; these grains
formed the
the IR10
On duringIR10 and
theandRH10
hot RH10 specimens,
specimens,
working lotslots
process of recrystallized grains
of recrystallized
(dynamic can be
grains
recrystallization observed;
can
during these grains
be extrusion
observed; these
and formed
grains
forging).
during
formed the hot
during working
the hot process
working (dynamic
process recrystallization
(dynamic during
recrystallization extrusion
during
With the solution heat treatment duration prolonged to 30 min, some of these dynamically and forging).
extrusion and With the
forging).
solution heat treatment
With the solution
recrystallized grainsheatduration prolonged
treatment
became coarse,duration to 30 min,
with the prolonged some of these dynamically
to 30coarser
grains in RH30 min, some recrystallized
of these
than those grains
dynamically
in IR30. Further
coarsening was observed when the duration was prolonged to 120 min (IR120 and RH120). observed
became coarse,
recrystallized with
grains the grains
became in RH30
coarse, coarser
with the than
grains those
in in
RH30 IR30. Further
coarser thancoarsening
those in was
IR30. Further
when the
coarsening duration
Figure was was
observed
6 shows prolonged to 120
when the duration
the microstructural min (IR120 and
was prolonged
features RH120).
of RH-heated to 120
andmin (IR120 and
IR-heated RH120).The dark
specimens.
Figure
Figure 6 shows the microstructural features of RH-heated and IR-heated
and gray secondary phases tend to decrease after solution heat treatment (Figure 7). specimens. The dark
The dark
and gray secondary phases tend to decrease after solution heat treatment (Figure (Figure 7).
7).

Figure 6. Secondary phase observations of (a) RH10; (b) RH30; (c) RH120; (d) IR10; (e) IR30; and (f)
Figure
Figure 6.
IR120. 6. Secondary phase
Secondary observations
phase of (a)
observations of RH10; (b) RH30;
(a) RH10; (c) RH120;
(b) RH30; (d) IR10;
(c) RH120; (d)(e) IR30;(e)
IR10; and (f)
IR30;
IR120.
and (f) IR120.
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Figure Area
7. 7.
Figure fractions
Area ofof
fractions Al–Mg–Si phase
Al–Mg–Si and
phase Al(FeMnCr)Si
and secondary
Al(FeMnCr)Si phases.
secondary phases.

The
The results
results ofof EDS
EDS analysis,which
analysis, whichfocused
focusedononsecondary
secondaryphases,
phases,areareshown
shownininTables
Tables3 3and
and4.4.
The
The gray
gray secondary
secondary phases
phases were
were Al(FeMnCr)Si
Al(FeMnCr)Si phases,
phases, and
and thethe darkphases
dark phaseswere
wereAl–Mg–Si
Al–Mg–Siphases.
phases.
Basedononthe
Based theresults
resultsofofFigure
Figure7, 7,the
thedecrease
decreaseininthe thesecondary
secondaryphasephaseareaareafraction
fractionis isdue
duetotothe
the
solutionization of Al–Mg–Si phases. It should also
solutionization of Al–Mg–Si phases. It should also be noted be noted that the secondary
secondary phase area fractionof
phase area fraction
ofIR10
IR10was
waslower
lowerthan
thanthat
thatofofRH10,
RH10, andandthat of of
that IR30
IR30was lower
was lower than thatthat
than of RH30; IR30IR30
of RH30; hadhadthe same
the
secondary
same phase
secondary areaarea
phase fraction as those
fraction of RH120
as those and IR120.
of RH120 Thus,Thus,
and IR120. it is reasonable to suggest
it is reasonable that IR
to suggest
heating
that produces
IR heating a better
produces solutionizing
a better effect of
solutionizing Al–Mg–Si
effect phases phases
of Al–Mg–Si than does thanRH. From
does RH.the results
From theof
hardness
results (Figure (Figure
of hardness 4) and 4)theand
secondary phase phase
the secondary area fraction results
area fraction (Figure
results 7), 307),min
(Figure of IR
30 min of heat
IR
treatment is sufficient to reach the maximum solution effect (at 560 °C)◦
heat treatment is sufficient to reach the maximum solution effect (at 560 C) of the alloy. of the alloy.

Table
Table Energy-dispersive
3. 3. X-ray
Energy-dispersive spectrometry
X-ray analysis
spectrometry results
analysis forfor
results RH-heated specimens.
RH-heated specimens.

Sample
Sample Condition
Condition RH10
RH10 RH30
RH30 RH120
RH120
Element at. % A B C D E F
Element at. % A B C D E F
Fe 0.07 2.54 0.08 3.58 0.54 2.96
Fe 0.07 2.54 0.08 3.58 0.54 2.96
Cu 0.21 0.33 0.15 0.34 0.95 0.77
Cu 0.21 0.33 0.15 0.34 0.95 0.77
MgMg 45.13 1.41
45.13 1.41 3.65
3.65 1.551.55 9.75
9.75 1.87
1.87
Al Al 28.75 72.74
28.75 72.74 37.76
37.76 71.04
71.04 65.06
65.06 82.45
82.45
Si Si 22.01
22.01 9.369.36 54.01
54.01 9.91
9.91 22.71
22.71 7.20
7.20
Cr 2.24 2.92 2.91 3.42 0.56 0.80
Cr 2.24 2.92 2.91 3.42 0.56 0.80
Mn 1.59 10.69 1.45 10.15 0.43 3.95
Mn 1.59 10.69 1.45 10.15 0.43 3.95
Table 4. EDS analysis results for IR-heated specimens.
Table 4. EDS analysis results for IR-heated specimens.
Sample
SampleCondition
Condition IR10
IR10 IR30
IR30 IR120
IR120
Element
Element at. at.
% % G G HH I I J J KK LL
Fe Fe 0.42
0.42 0.480.48 0.81
0.81 4.02
4.02 0.28
0.28 5.16
5.16
CuCu 1.00
1.00 1.001.00 1.69
1.69 1.59
1.59 0.42
0.42 0.82
0.82
MgMg 33.71
33.71 1.711.71 2.68
2.68 1.62
1.62 1.83
1.83 0.93
0.93
Al 36.49 81.17 91.96 79.24 94.90 73.49
Si
Al 36.49 6.77
27.16
81.17 1.15
91.96 79.24
7.23
94.90
1.93
73.49
9.17
Cr Si 27.16
0.65 6.77
0.45 1.15
0.61 7.23
1.36 1.93
0.39 9.17
0.79
MnCr 0.65 0.77
0.58 0.45 1.09
0.61 1.36
4.95 0.39
0.25 0.79
0.74
Mn 0.58 0.77 1.09 4.95 0.25 0.74
The XRD results for the IR- and RH-heated specimens are shown in Figure 8. The results show
Theprolonged
that with XRD results for the heat
solution IR- and RH-heated
treatment specimens
duration, are shown
the signal of theinAl–Mg–Si
Figure 8. The results
primary show
phase
(atthat
40.2with prolonged
◦ ) decreased andsolution heat treatmentbecame
that of Al(FeMnCr)Si duration, the signal
obvious. of the it
However, Al–Mg–Si
is hard toprimary phase
distinguish the(at
40.2°) decreased and that of Al(FeMnCr)Si
difference between RH and IR specimens. became obvious. However, it is hard to distinguish the
difference between RH and IR specimens.
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Figure 8. X-ray diffraction patterns of specimens treated under various solution heat treatment
conditions.
Figure 8. X-ray diffraction patterns of specimens treated under various solution heat treatment
Figure 8. X-ray diffraction patterns of specimens treated under various solution heat treatment conditions.
conditions.
Figure 9 shows the tensile deformation flow curves for RH30 and IR30. The tensile strength
(ultimate
Figure tensile strength
9 shows (UTS)deformation
the tensile and yield strength
flow curves (YS))forofRH30
IR30 andis higher thantensile
IR30. The that ofstrength
RH30.
Figure 9 shows the tensile deformation flow curves for RH30 and IR30. The tensile strength
Significant serrated
(ultimate tensile flow (UTS)
strength due toand dynamic strain aging
yield strength (YS))(DSA)
of IR30was found than
is higher for both
thatRH30 andSignificant
of RH30. IR30. The
(ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength (YS)) of IR30 is higher than that of RH30.
mechanism of DSA is related to the concentration of the solute solution and
serrated flow due to dynamic strain aging (DSA) was found for both RH30 and IR30. The mechanism the precipitates [12,13].
Significant serrated flow due to dynamic strain aging (DSA) was found for both RH30 and IR30. The
A comparison
of DSA oftothe
is related thecritical onset strain
concentration of the(εsolute
c) of serrated flowthe
solution and shows that εc [12,13].
precipitates tends toA increase
comparisonfor
mechanism of DSA is related to the concentration of the solute solution and the precipitates [12,13].
specimens subjected
of the critical to IR(εheating.
onset strain c ) of serrated flow shows that ε tends to increase for specimens subjected
A comparison of the critical onset strain (εc) of serratedc flow shows that εc tends to increase for
to IR heating.
specimens subjected to IR heating.

Figure 9. Effect of heating rate before solutionization on critical onset strain (εc ) of tensile serrated flow
Figure 9. Effect of heating rate before solutionization on critical onset strain (εc) of tensile serrated
curve of 6082 forging specimens.
flow curve of 6082 forging specimens.
Figure 9. Effect of heating rate before solutionization on critical onset strain (εc) of tensile serrated
According
flow to
curve to
According studies
of 6082 on Aly-Mg
forging
studies on Al-Mg alloy
specimens.alloy[14],
[14], with
with increasing
increasing concentration
concentration of of solid
solid solution Mg
solution Mg
atoms in
atoms inthe
thematrix,
matrix, and with
and the follow-up
with the follow-up precipitation process,
precipitation the critical
process, the onset strain
critical (εc )strain
onset increases.
(εc)
Thus, According
a comparison to studies
of the on
onset Aly-Mg
strain alloy
(ε c ) to [14],
the with
tensile increasing
strength concentration
and hardness of
valuessolid solution
(Figure 4) Mg
and
increases. Thus, a comparison of the onset strain (εc) to the tensile strength and hardness values
atoms
the in the phase
secondary matrix, and with results
observation the follow-up
(Figure precipitation
7) reveals thatprocess, the critical had
onsetthestrain (εc)
(Figure 4) and the secondary phase observation results (Figure 7) the IR30that
reveals specimen
the IR30 specimen highest
had
increases. Thus,
concentration of Mg a comparison
and Si atoms ofinthe
the onset
matrix, strain
and (ε c) to
thus the
the tensile
largest strength
amount of and hardness
dynamically values
formed
the highest concentration of Mg and Si atoms in the matrix, and thus the largest amount of
(Figure 4) and
precipitates the
in the secondary
tensile phaseMg
test. These observation
and Si atoms results
and (Figure 7) reveals
dynamically formedthat the IR30 specimen
precipitates have stronghad
the highest concentration of Mg and Si atoms in the matrix, and thus the largest amount of
 Metals 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 13
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13
dynamically formed precipitates in the tensile test. These Mg and Si atoms and dynamically formed
dynamically
precipitatesformed precipitates
have strong solute in the tensile and
interactions test.impede
These Mg theand Si atoms
formation ofand dynamically
a dislocation formed
atmosphere,
solute interactions
precipitates have and
strongimpede
solute the formation
interactions of
and a dislocation
impede the atmosphere,
formation ofincreasing
a the
dislocation
increasing the hardness and the strength. Figure 10 shows TEM images of IR30 and RH30. There hardness and
atmosphere, are
the strength.
increasing the Figure 10
hardness shows
and TEM
the images
strength. of IR30
Figure and
10 RH30.
shows There
TEM are
imagessome
of unsolutionized
IR30 and
some unsolutionized secondary phases in the matrix of RH30, implying that IR heating leads to moreRH30. secondary
There are
phases
some in thesolutionization,
complete matrix ofsecondary
unsolutionized RH30,andimplying
phases that IR matrix
in the
this observationheating ofleads
result to more
RH30,
implying thecomplete
implying solutionization,
thatresult
same IR heating and
leads to
as mentioned this
more
above.
observation
complete result implying
solutionization, the
and same
this result as mentioned
observation result implyingabove.the same result as mentioned above.

Figure 10. Transmission electron microscopy images of (a) RH30 and (b) IR30.
Figure
Figure 10.
10. Transmission
Transmission electron
electron microscopy
microscopy images
images of
of (a)
(a) RH30
RH30 and
and (b)
(b) IR30.
IR30.
3.2. Effect of Rapid IR Solutionization on T6 Process
3.2. Effect of Rapid IR Solutionization on T6 Process
3.2. Effect of Rapid
Figure IR Solutionization
11 shows the hardnesson T6 Processof aged specimens. The IR-heated specimens initially
profiles
showFigure 11hardening
better shows the hardness profiles of aged specimens.
specimens,The
andIR-heated
achieve a specimens
aging initially
Figure 11 shows therates than those
hardness of RH-heated
profiles of aged specimens. The IR-heated peak
specimens condition
initially
show better
within hardening
2 hardening rates
h. However, than those of RH-heated specimens, and achieve a peak aging condition
show better ratesthe
thanpeak
those hardness
of RH-heated values were eventually
specimens, and achievealmost identical
a peak aging for all
condition
within 2 h. However,
solutionization heating the peak hardness values were eventually almost identical for all
rates.
within 2 h. However, the peak hardness values were eventually almost identical for all solutionization
solutionization heating rates.
heating rates.

Figure
Figure 11.11. Effect
Effect ofofIRIR heat
heat treatment
treatment onon hardness
hardness profiles
profiles of of specimens
specimens aged
aged at at ◦ C.°C.
180180
Figure 11. Effect of IR heat treatment on hardness profiles of specimens aged at 180 °C.
Figure
Figure 1212 shows
shows the
the results
results ofof XRD
XRD analysis.
analysis. The
The peaks
peaks ofof Al–Mg–Si
Al–Mg–Si and
and Al(FeMnCr)Si
Al(FeMnCr)Si can
can bebe
Figure and
detected, 12 shows
the the results
IR30-6H of XRD
specimen analysis.
showed more The peaks secondary
obvious of Al–Mg–Si and Al(FeMnCr)Si
phases/precipitates can than
signal be
detected, and the IR30-6H specimen showed more obvious secondary phases/precipitates signal than
detected,
the and the
RH30-6H IR30-6H specimen showed more obvious secondary phases/precipitates signal than
condition.
the RH30-6H condition.
the RH30-6H condition.
 Metals 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 13
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Figure 12. XRD patterns of A6082 alloys treated under various T6 heat treatment conditions.
Figure 12. XRD patterns of A6082 alloys treated under various T6 heat treatment conditions.

In order to determine the best heat treatment parameter settings, the tensile test results of RH30-
In order to determine
6H, IR30-2H, and IR30-6Hthe best
are heat
shown treatment
in Tableparameter settings,
5. Compared to the tensile test
RH30-6H, results has
IR30-2H of RH30-6H,
a similar
IR30-2H,
ultimateand IR30-6H
tensile are(UTS)
strength shownbut in aTable
lower5.yield
Compared
strength to(YS).
RH30-6H, IR30-2H
The yield has a similar
and ultimate tensileultimate
strength
tensile strength
of IR30-6H are (UTS)
higher but
thana those
lowerofyield strength
RH30-6H. (YS). The
According to yield and ultimate
our previous tensile using
experiment, strength of
a rapid
IR30-6H are higher than those of RH30-6H. According to our previous experiment,
solution heat treatment method (salt bath) can increase strength [9]. Thus, it is reasonable to suggest using a rapid
solution
that theheat treatment
IR-heated methodachieved
specimen (salt bath) can increase
higher strength due
tensile strength [9]. Thus, it issolutionization.
to rapid reasonable to suggest
To sum
that
up, using IR heating as a rapid heating method leads to better solutionization, reduces the To
the IR-heated specimen achieved higher tensile strength due to rapid solutionization. sum
required
up, using IR
duration of heating
the PFHT as process,
a rapid heating
maintains method
a smallleads to better
grain, solutionization,
and increases reduces the required
tensile strength.
duration of the PFHT process, maintains a small grain, and increases tensile strength.
However, the requirement for a commercial suspension part is not only a high tensile strength
(YSHowever,
> 285 MPa, theUTS
requirement
> 340 MPa)forbut
a commercial suspension
also an adequate tensilepart is not only
elongation a high tensile
of 8–10%. Hence,strength
even the
(YS > 285 MPa, UTS > 340 MPa) but also an adequate tensile elongation of 8–10%.
peak aging condition of IR heat treatment can provide a superior tensile strength, the elongation Hence, even theis
peak aging condition of IR heat treatment can provide a superior tensile strength,
slightly inadequate. Comparing the IR-heated samples, IR30-2H had a lower tensile yield strength the elongation is
slightly inadequate. Comparing the IR-heated samples, IR30-2H had a lower
compared to that of IR30-6H but better tensile elongation. Hence, four hours of aging might be tensile yield strength
compared to that
optimal for of IR30-6H
industrial but better tensile elongation. Hence, four hours of aging might be optimal
applications.
for industrial applications.
Table 5. YS, UTS, UE, and TE values and strain hardening exponent obtained from tensile test curves.
Table 5. YS, UTS, UE, and TE values and strain hardening exponent obtained from tensile test curves.
Yield Ultimate Tensile Uniform Total Elongation Strain Hardening Coefficient of
Sample
Strength (YS) Strength (UTS) Elongation (UE) (TE) Exponent, n Determination, R2
Yield Ultimate Tensile Uniform Total Strain Hardening Coefficient of
Sample
RH30 115 (YS) 270(UTS) 26 (UE) 37 (TE) 0.32 n 0.9995 R2
Strength Strength Elongation Elongation Exponent, Determination,
IR30 125 281 27 34 0.29 0.9987
RH30
RH30-6H
115
328
270
360
266 3710 0.32
0.09
0.9995
0.9994
IR30 125 281 27 34 0.29 0.9987
IR30-2H 305 364 12 13 0.08 0.9995
RH30-6H 328 360 6 10 0.09 0.9994
IR30-6H 366 390 7 8 0.11 0.9965
IR30-2H 305 364 12 13 0.08 0.9995
IR30-6H 366 390 7 8 0.11 0.9965
Figure 13a–d shows TEM images and selected area diffraction patterns (SADP) of IR30-6H and
RH30-6H
Figurespecimens.
13a–d shows The IR30-6H
TEM images specimen has a area
and selected largerdiffraction
amount ofpatterns
precipitates,
(SADP) andofthe precipitates
IR30-6H and
in RH30-6H (15.9 ± 3.5 nm) are longer than those in IR30-6H (12.4 ± 3.0 nm).
RH30-6H specimens. The IR30-6H specimen has a larger amount of precipitates, and the precipitates According to previous
inresearch
RH30-6Hand the
(15.9 selected
± 3.5 area
nm) are diffraction
longer than thosepatterns, the (12.4
in IR30-6H precipitates
± 3.0 nm).in RH30-6H
Accordingand IR30-6H
to previous
specimens
research andbelong to thearea
the selected stage in which patterns,
diffraction the GP zone (~1–3 nm; coherent
the precipitates to theand
in RH30-6H matrix) transforms
IR30-6H specimens into
the β’’ phase (~4 × 4 × 50 nm 3), which is semi-coherent to the matrix [15]. Considering the coherence
belong to the stage in which the GP zone (~1–3 nm; coherent to the matrix) transforms into the β”
effect(~4
phase of ×
the4 precipitates and the
× 50 nm3 ), which matrix [16,17],tothe
is semi-coherent theprecipitates
matrix [15].inConsidering
RH30-6H are theless coherent
coherence than
effect
those in IR30-6H; however, IR30-6H has a larger amount of precipitates.
of the precipitates and the matrix [16,17], the precipitates in RH30-6H are less coherent than those Hence, a possible
inexplanation for the better
IR30-6H; however, precipitate
IR30-6H hardening
has a larger amount effect observed in IR30-6H
of precipitates. Hence, acompared to that in RH30-
possible explanation for
6Hbetter
the is theprecipitate
large amount of precipitates,
hardening and caused
effect observed a bettercompared
in IR30-6H tensile strength
to that(as showed inisTable
in RH30-6H 5).
the large
amount of precipitates, and caused a better tensile strength (as showed in Table 5).
Metals 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 13
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Figure 13. TEM images (a) bright field image of RH30-6H; (b) selected area diffraction pattern (SAPD)
Figure 13. TEM images (a) bright field image of RH30-6H; (b) selected area diffraction pattern (SAPD)
Figure 13. TEM
image images(c)
of RH30-6H; (a)bright
bright field
field image
image of RH30-6H;
of IR30-6H; (b) selected
(d) SAPD image ofarea diffraction pattern (SAPD)
IR30-6H.
image of RH30-6H; (c) bright field image of IR30-6H; (d) SAPD image of IR30-6H.
image of RH30-6H; (c) bright field image of IR30-6H; (d) SAPD image of IR30-6H.
3.3. Effect of Rapid IR Solutionization on Tensile Deformation and Fracture Features
3.3. Effect of
3.3. Effect of Rapid
Rapid IR
IR Solutionization
Solutionization on Tensile Deformation and Fracture Features
Figure 14 shows the fracture on Tensile
surfaces Deformation
after the tensileand
test.Fracture Features
The fracture surface of specimens is
composed
Figure
Figure 14 of
14 manythe
shows
shows dimples,
the which
fracture
fracture suggests
surfaces
surfaces thatthe
after
after thetensile
the fracturetest.
tensile mechanism
test. The is ductile
The fracture
fracture fracture.
surface
surface of There is
of specimens
specimens is
is
no significant
composed difference between the RH-heated and IR-heated samples.
composed of many dimples, which suggests that the fracture mechanism is ductile fracture. There is
of many dimples, which suggests that the fracture mechanism is ductile fracture. There is
no
no significant
significant difference
difference between
between the
the RH-heated
RH-heated and and IR-heated
IR-heated samples.
samples.

Figure 14. Fracture images of (a) RH30; (b) IR30; (c) RH30-6H; and (d) IR30-6H.

Figure
Figure 14.
14. Fracture
Fracture images
images of
of (a)
(a) RH30; (b) IR30;
RH30; (b) IR30; (c)
(c) RH30-6H;
RH30-6H; and
and (d)
(d) IR30-6H.
IR30-6H.
 Metals2018,
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11 13

To evaluate the work hardening ability and behavior of IR-heated samples, the n value (strain
To evaluate
hardening the work
exponent) werehardening
estimatedability
(Tableand behavior
5). The n value of is
IR-heated samples,the
used to evaluate n value
thework (strain
hardening
hardening
ability andexponent)
necking were estimated
resistance [18]. (Table
The n5). The nfor
values value
RH30is used
and to evaluate
IR30 the work
are similar (0.32hardening
vs. 0.29,
ability and necking
respectively). resistance
The strain [18]. The
hardening n valuesfor
exponents for RH30-6H
RH30 andand IR30IR30-6H
are similar are (0.32
0.09 vs.and 0.29,
0.11,
respectively).
respectively. The Thestrain hardening exponents
strain-hardening exponentfor ofRH30-6H
T6 samples andisIR30-6H
lower thanare 0.09
thoseandof0.11,
RH30 respectively.
and IR30.
The
Thisstrain-hardening exponent of T6
is due to the formation samples is which
precipitates, lower thancause those
unevenof RH30 and IR30. but
deformation Thisstill
is due to the
increased
formation
strength. of precipitates, which cause uneven deformation but still increased strength.
The
Theresults
resultsshowshowthat
thatusing
usingIR IRheating
heatingas asaarapid
rapidheating
heatingmethod
methodleadsleadsto tobetter
bettersolutionization,
solutionization,
reduces
reducesthe required
the required duration
durationof the
of PFHT process,
the PFHT maintain
process, small grains,
maintain small and increases
grains, tensile strength.
and increases tensile
However,
strength. the requirement
However, for a commercial
the requirement suspension part
for a commercial is not only
suspension parta is
high
nottensile
only astrength (YS
high tensile
>strength
285 MPa, (YSUTS > 340
> 285 MPa, MPa)
UTSbut> 340also a sufficient
MPa) but also tensile elongation
a sufficient of 8–10% [19].
tensile elongation Hence,
of 8–10% even
[19]. the
Hence,
peak
evenaging condition
the peak agingofcondition
IR heat treatment
of IR heat can provide acan
treatment superior
provide tensile strength,
a superior the elongation
tensile strength, the is
slightly
elongationinadequate.
is slightly Comparing
inadequate. theComparing
IR-heated samples,
the IR-heatedIR30-2H had a IR30-2H
samples, lower tensilehad ayield
lowerstrength
tensile
compared to that
yield strength of IR30-6H
compared to but
thatbetter tensile but
of IR30-6H elongation. Hence,
better tensile four hoursHence,
elongation. of aging might
four hoursbe optimal
of aging
for industrial
might applications.
be optimal for industrial applications.
Using
UsingIR IRheating
heatingasasa arapid
rapidheating
heating method
method leads
leadsto to
higher
higher hardness.
hardness. And Andwith thethe
with increasing
increasingof
solution
of solutionheatheat
treatment duration,
treatment the fraction
duration, of Al–Mg–Si
the fraction phasesphases
of Al–Mg–Si decreased. It should
decreased. be alsobe
It should noted
also
that
notedthethat
solutionizing rate of Al–Mg–Si
the solutionizing phases byphases
rate of Al–Mg–Si IR-heatedby faster than faster
IR-heated the RH-heated
than the specimens.
RH-heated
On the otherOn
specimens. hand,
thethe critical
other hand, grain size of RH-heated
the critical grain size ofspecimen
RH-heated could be observed
specimen couldin bethe earlier stage
observed in the
ofearlier
solutionizing.
stage of solutionizing.
Besides,
Besides,using
usingIR IRheating
heatingas asaaPFHT
PFHTmethod
methodcan canattain
attainaahigher
highersolutionizing
solutionizinglevel,level,acquire
acquiremoremore
precipitates
precipitatesand andachieve
achievea higher tensiletensile
a higher strength. The microstructural
strength. features and
The microstructural hardness
features andevolution
hardness
evolution
of 6082 forgedof 6082 forged
samples samples
after differentaftersolutionizing
different solutionizing
methods are methods
plottedare in plotted
Figure 15.in Figure 15. The
The possible
possible mechanism
mechanism of rapid IRofheating
rapid IRisheating
plotted isinplotted
Figure 16. in Figure 16.

Figure15.
Figure 15.Evolution
Evolutionof
ofmicrostructure
microstructureand
andhardness
hardnessduring
duringrapid
rapidheating
heatingprocess.
process.
Metals 2018, 8, 501 12 of 13
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Figure16.
Figure 16.Schematic
Schematic diagram
diagram of rapid
of rapid heating
heating process.
process. Process
Process can becan be applied
applied to larger
to acquire acquire larger
amount
amount
of of precipitates
precipitates andhigher
and slightly slightly higher
tensile tensile strength.
strength.

4.4. Conclusions
Conclusions
Inthis
In thisstudy,
study,IR IRheat
heattreatment
treatmentwaswasused
usedas asaarapid
rapidheat
heattreatment
treatmentmethod methodfor for6082
6082suspension
suspension
parts. Using IR rapid heating can reduce the duration of the
parts. Using IR rapid heating can reduce the duration of the solutionizing process to solutionizing process to 30 30 min.
min.
Experimental results
Experimental results confirmed
confirmed thatthat the
the critical
critical onset
onset strain
strain (ε(εcc)) of
of tensile
tensile serrated
serrated flow
flow isis aauseful
useful
parameter related to amount of Mg and Si atoms in
parameter related to amount of Mg and Si atoms in solid solution. solid solution.
For aged
For aged specimens,
specimens, the the hardness
hardnessprofiles
profilesandandtensile
tensiletest data
test data indicate
indicatethat IR IR
that rapid heating
rapid can
heating
increase
can thethe
increase effect of of
effect aging.
aging.TheThepeak
peakaging
agingcondition
conditionwas wasachieved
achieved in in 22 h.
h. IR-heated
IR-heated specimens
specimens
showed a more predominant precipitation effect than did RH-heated specimens,
showed a more predominant precipitation effect than did RH-heated specimens, and showed higher and showed higher
tensile strength; however, their fracture features were still mainly those of ductile
tensile strength; however, their fracture features were still mainly those of ductile fracture and the fracture and the
workhardening
work hardeningbehavior
behaviorremained
remainedunchanged.
unchanged.
The results obtained in this study
The results obtained in this study show showthatthatIRIRheating
heatingcan canbe beconsidered
consideredas asaapotential
potentialmethod
method
forrapid
for rapidsolutionization.
solutionization.TheTheresults
resultscan
canbebeused
usedas asaareference
referencefor forindustrial
industrialapplications.
applications.

AuthorContributions:
Author Contributions:Y.-L.C.
Y.-L.C.performed
performedthe
theexperiments,
experiments,analyzed
analyzedthe
thedata,
data, and
and wrote
wrote the
the paper.
paper. F.-Y.H.
F.-Y.H.and
and
T.-S.L.
T.-S.L.are
areadvisers.
advisers.

Funding:This
Funding: Thisresearch
researchreceived
receivedno
noexternal
externalfunding.
funding.
Acknowledgments: The authors are grateful to the Instrument Center of National Cheng Kung University and the
Acknowledgments: The authors are grateful to the Instrument Center of National Cheng Kung University and
Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (Grant No. MOST 106-2221-E-006-064) for their financial support.
the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (Grant No. MOST 106-2221-E-006-064) for their financial
support. of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Conflicts

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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