Effect of Ni Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 6101 Aluminum Alloy with High Electrical Conductivity

As an alternative for Mn and Cr, Ni is a potential modifying element in the 6xxx series aluminum alloys with high electrical conductivity. This study investigated the influence of Ni on both the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of 6101 alloy. With the addition of Ni, the plate-like Al-Fe-Si phase was transformed to the rod-like Al-Fe-Ni-Si phase. At the same time, the Si was released from the Al-Fe-Si phase resulting in plentiful Si to react with Mg and promoting the precipitation of Mg 5 Si 6 phase ( β ” phase). The mechanical properties of 6101-T6 alloy were enhanced at the expense of a slight decrease in the electrical conductivity.