Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Tensile Properties of A356/V2O5 Insitu Composites

A 356 alloy reinforced with insitu V2O5 particles by using stir casting technique. The composites were produced by the addition of oxide particles in different weight percentage. The effect of oxide powder addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of produced composites were investigated. The effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated by optical microscope, Microhardness tester and tension test. A significant improvement in hardness and tensile strength was revealed in the produced composite as compared to the base alloy. With the addition of oxide particles, the shape and size of eutectic Si changed which in turn affects the properties. It was observed that 2h solutionizing followed by the artificial aging was sufficient to make the structure homogenize and to produce the hardening precipitates. The improvement in the mechanical properties has been observed due to the age hardening precipitates in addition with refinement of insitu V2O5 particles.