Strengthening aluminum scrap by alloying with iron

Abstract

The aim of this research is to experimentally study the effect of strengthening aluminum scrap by iron powder in order to achieve better mechanical properties. Aluminum scrap is melted in a heated furnace to form a melt composition. The melt is adjusted to form the present composition, consisting essentially of iron, 1,2,3 and 5 wt%. The alloys were made by melting scrap aluminum using an induction furnace, and then iron powder was added to the melt. The composition is then casted into steel moulds to be later machined to produce tensile tests specimens. The mechanical and metallurgical characteristics of the fabricated alloys were studied through optical, Hardness survey, and tensile testing. Superior properties were obviously manifested in the cast aluminum with 1 wt% iron addition. Ultimate tensile strength and elongation to fracture and Vickers hardness were all increased by 72 %, 60%, and 7% respectively.