Improvement in metallurgical properties of gravity die cast 2024-T6 aluminum alloy via cryogenic process

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cryogenic process (CP) on the properties of 2024-T6 aluminum alloy. So, samples were held at −40 °C medium for 24 h in CP after solution heat treatment. Finally, samples were subjected to aging process at 120 °C for 8 h after CP. Furthermore, aging process was carried out after 0, 1, and 4 h later after CP. Examination of microstructure was executed by SEM, EDS, and optical microscope (OM) observations. Hardness tests were also conducted through HV. Improvement in metallurgical properties of 2024-T6 aluminum alloy was tested with these parameters, in detail. © The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2019