Aluminium alloys used in automobile applications are generally heat treated to obtain a desired combination of strength and ductility. The knowledge in treatment temperature as well as the time of this process is essential for optimum results. In this paper A356 alloy is subjected to different heat treatment conditions and examined its effects on the mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour. The solutionizing temperature and time were 540°C and 1 hour respectively, followed by 24 hours of natural aging and the artificial aging temperature and time were 180°C and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6 hours respectively. The standard T6 heat treatment process performed were used as reference in-order to compare the effect of artificial ageing. The solutionizing temperature for 1 hour and artificial ageing time of 4.5 hours produced peak compressive strength when compared to other aging times.
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