Mechanical behavior of hot extruded aluminum 6082 chip

Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 16;14(1):6381. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-55151-0.

Abstract

In a bid to address the energy-intensive nature of primary aluminum production, this study explores the solid-state recycling of aluminum alloy 6082 chips through direct hot extrusion. Compacted at room temperature, chips were extruded at temperatures (350, 425, and 500 °C) and reduction ratios (6, 8.5, and 11) to optimize mechanical properties. Extensive analyses, including ANOVA and linear regressions, of strength, density, and microstructure revealed significant influences of those extrusion parameters. Optimizing these parameters within the study's aforementioned working ranges can impact the recycled material's strength; with a 36% reduction ratio increase and 20% temperature increase modestly reducing ultimate strength (2%), while a 20% temperature increase alone lowers yield strength more noticeably (9%). These findings highlight the potential for enhanced recycling and sustainable manufacturing.

Keywords: Aluminum chips; Aluminum recycling; Hot extrusion; Mechanical behavior; Microstructure; Solid-state recycling.