This work studied the influence of Mg and Ni solute content on the modification of
the thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of an Al-Cu-Fe alloy for application as an
electrical conductor. To realize the present study, the alloys were obtained by unidirectional
horizontal casting, starting from the commercial pure aluminum with the addition of 0.05wt%
Cu and [0.24 to 0.28]wt% Fe content. This basis was modified on a first stage with 0.45, 0.60
and 0.80wt% of Mg content. The alloys obtained with these contents had its properties studied
for the selection of a Mg content for further Ni addition at the alloy. The study of these
properties on the first stage passed through the analysis of the thermal properties: growth rate
(VL) and cooling rate (Ṫ). The electrical characterization studied the electrical conductivity
property (φ) and the following mechanical properties were determined: ultimate tensile
strength (σ) and Vickers microhardness (HV). The alloy which has Ni additions passed
through ageing heat treatments of 1, 4 and 8 hours. These samples were analyzed in a
scanning electron microscope – SEM by the electrons backscattered – EBS and energy
dispersive spectroscopy – EDS signals. As a result of the research, it was found that Mg
additions had significantly influenced the alloys viscosity, increasing its growth rates at the
final moments of the solidification. The microhardness tests for the aged samples showed that
they suffered a significant gain of hardness at the fourth hour of ageing, also, the EDS
analysis showed that Ni content increased at the same treating conditions.
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