Effect of Mg/Si Ratio on Hardening Behavior, Microstructure and Properties of Al-Mg-Si Alloys

The effects of Mg/Si ratio on precipitation behaviour and properties of Al-Mg-Si alloys were studied by using electrochemical test, corrosion test and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that with the increases of Mg/Si ratio from 0.9 to 1.1, the density of the β" decreases, and the mechanical properties decrease. When the ratio of Mg/Si increases from 1.0 to 1.1, the density y of β" does not increase significantly, but the continuous degree of the MgSi phase decreases significantly. The source of cracks originate from MgSi phase, which reduces the mechanical properties. When the Mg/Si ratio is 0.9, the alloy is in an over-Si state, which results in serious intergranular corrosion (IGC).