Effect of Solution Heat Treatment of Aluminum Alloy 4032 on the Structure and Corrosion Resistance in 3,5% and 10,5% NaCl Solution

Aluminum Alloy 4032 is usually used as a material for making engine pistons, which has a composition of Aluminum (Al), 21%wt Silicon (Si), 0.82%wt Nickel (Ni) and 0.67%wt Copper (Cu). The alloy is known to have mild properties and should have good corrosion resistance. Heat treatment was carried out with the aim of the enhancement of the corrosion resistance. The solution heat treatment process was performed at 510°C for 2 hours and then quenching to room temperature in water media. Some of the material were also performed an aging process at 171°C with varying duration of time and then cooling to room temperature. Corrosion resistance testing was carried out by electrochemical testing using 3.5% wt and 10.5% wt NaCl solution. The structure before and after heat treatment were characterized by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were analyzed. The results of the characterization indicate that the heat treatment on the Alloy is affected by solution heat treatment and the aging process.