Effects of duration of solution heat treatment on the evolution of 3D microstructure in AlSi7Cu3 alloy: A quantitative X-ray tomography study

The evolution of the microstructure an AlSi7Cu3 alloy is investigated by optical microscopy and X-ray tomography in as-cast condition with subsequent solution treatments for 2 h 30 min 50 at 495 °C, respectively. analyzed contains pores hard inclusions, i.e. eutectic Si, iron-intermetallics, Al2Cu phases. 2D microscopic surface examination was performed to reveal characteristics Si phase while 3D characterization (Lab-CT) pores, quantitative can provide new insight into microstructures amount, size morphology change mechanisms during heat treatment. phase, which presents a interconnected structure condition, undergoes significant morphological changes incipient melting evidenced after treatment leads formation small (<60 μm). Statistical analyses particle distribution, their local mean curvatures describe disintegration network followed dissolving disconnected particles. fragmentation, spheroidization, coarsening