The modifying effect of strontium on the intermetallic phases found in 6061 alloy was investigated in a commercial product. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to assess the microstructure. It was shown that strontium altered the platelike β-AlFeSi phase (Al5FeSi) to the Chinese script α-AlFeSi compound (Al8Fe2Si). The influence of the strontium on both the T4 and T6 heat treatments was examined. The use of strontium in 6061 homogenisation allowed reductions in the homogenization time of the alloy as it promoted the formation of the more desirable α-AlFeSi phase in the as cast condition and had no negative effect on the mechanical properties of the end products.
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