Preparation method of energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road protection

Abstract

This invention provides a method for preparing energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy materials for road protection. The method includes the following steps: S1: Determining the composition of the aluminum alloy material; S2: Melting the determined alloy material; S3: Homogenizing the aluminum alloy billet; S4: Rolling and annealing: Rolling the homogenized aluminum alloy billet; followed by a two-stage annealing process; S5: Aging treatment: Performing a two-stage aging treatment on the annealed aluminum alloy sheet; S6: Performance testing: Performing performance testing on the prepared aluminum alloy sheet. After passing the test, the sheet is used in the manufacture of road protection facilities. The aluminum alloy material obtained by this method has good energy absorption and mechanical properties, making it suitable for the manufacture of road protection facilities. Furthermore, this method is simple to operate, reliable, and can effectively improve the service life of the aluminum alloy, showing promising application prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aluminum alloy preparation, and more specifically to a method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road protection. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of China's economy, the transportation system has become increasingly sophisticated. The construction of highways, urban roads, and other transportation facilities has progressed rapidly, improving road safety and traffic efficiency. However, road safety issues still exist, posing a serious threat to the safety of people's lives and property. Therefore, higher requirements are placed on the protective materials used in roads and their facilities.

[0003] Aluminum alloys, as lightweight and high-strength materials, are widely used in transportation equipment. Compared to steel, aluminum alloys possess superior corrosion resistance, fatigue performance, ductility, and strength, leading to their global application in vehicle construction, aerospace, and other fields. Traditional road safety facilities, such as guardrails and medians, are mostly made of steel. However, the weight and susceptibility to corrosion of steel limit its application in road safety, and steel is also prone to secondary damage in collisions. Therefore, developing a lightweight, high-strength material with excellent impact resistance has become an urgent need for road safety facilities.

[0004] Energy-absorbing protective materials are characterized by their ability to absorb some of the impact energy when subjected to impact forces, thus reducing damage caused by collisions. These materials are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries to protect people's lives and property. Against this backdrop, energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloys, as a novel type of protective material, are gradually attracting attention and research from the industry.

[0005] However, current methods for preparing energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloys still face technical challenges, as the strength, toughness, and energy absorption properties of aluminum alloys need to be considered in a balanced way, and ordinary alloy compositions and preparation methods are difficult to meet high-performance requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road protection is provided to improve the energy absorption and safety performance of road protection facilities. The specific solution is as follows:

[0007] A method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road maintenance protection includes the following steps:

[0008] S1: Determine the composition of the aluminum alloy material, wherein the aluminum alloy composition includes Mg, Si, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Zr;

[0009] S2: The determined alloy is smelted to form an aluminum alloy melt, which is then cast into an aluminum alloy billet and cooled to room temperature;

[0010] S3: Homogenize the aluminum alloy billet: Heat the aluminum alloy billet in the range of 480-520℃ and hold for 3-5 hours, then rapidly cool it to below 200℃, and then allow it to cool naturally to room temperature;

[0011] S4: Rolling and Annealing: The homogenized aluminum alloy billet is rolled to form aluminum alloy sheet of the required specifications. The rolling speed and rolling pressure are controlled during the rolling process. After rolling, a two-stage annealing process is carried out. By adopting a two-stage annealing process, the microstructure of the aluminum alloy can be improved more effectively, and its energy absorption performance and high strength can be further improved. After annealing, it is air-cooled to room temperature.

[0012] S5: Aging treatment: The annealed aluminum alloy sheet undergoes a two-stage aging treatment, followed by air cooling to room temperature.

[0013] S6: Performance testing: The prepared aluminum alloy sheets are subjected to performance testing. After passing the test, they are used in the manufacture of road protection facilities.

[0014] Furthermore, the composition ratio of each element in the aluminum alloy in S1 is: Mg 1.0~3.0%;

[0015] Si 0.4–1.2%; Cu 0.2–0.6%; Mn 0.4–1.0%; Cr 0.1–0.3%; Zr 0.05–0.15%, with the remainder being Al.

[0016] Furthermore, in S2, the melting temperature is controlled at 680–720℃, the holding time is 1 hour, the casting temperature is 685–695℃, and the casting speed is 13–18 mm / s.

[0017] Furthermore, the rolling temperature in S4 is 350–400℃. Rolling within this temperature range helps to obtain better energy absorption performance and high strength. The rolling speed is 20–25 m / min. An appropriate rolling speed can ensure that the aluminum alloy sheet has better mechanical properties. The rolling pressure is 25–35 MPa. A suitable rolling pressure helps to achieve a fine microstructure of the aluminum alloy.

[0018] Furthermore, the two-stage annealing process in S4 is as follows:

[0019] First, initial annealing: heating temperature is 260-280℃; holding time is 1-2 hours to effectively release the internal stress of the aluminum alloy; slowly cooling to below 150℃, and then air cooling to room temperature;

[0020] Preliminary annealing can eliminate stress generated during rolling and release internal alloy components, laying the foundation for subsequent fine annealing processes;

[0021] Second, fine annealing: The heating temperature is 320-340℃. Fine annealing within this temperature range helps to achieve better energy absorption performance and high strength. The holding time is 4-6 hours. A longer holding time is beneficial to achieving a finer grain structure. First, it is naturally cooled in the furnace to below 200℃, and then taken out and air-cooled to room temperature. Fine annealing can achieve recrystallization of aluminum alloy, further refine the grain structure, and improve the energy absorption performance and strength of the material.

[0022] By adopting this two-stage annealing process, the requirements of aluminum alloys in terms of energy absorption performance and high strength can be better met.

[0023] Furthermore, the two-stage aging process in S5 is as follows:

[0024] First, low-temperature aging treatment: heating temperature is 120-140℃; holding time is 6-8 hours; slow natural cooling in the furnace to below 100℃, and then air cooling to room temperature;

[0025] Low-temperature aging can improve the density and uniformity of the precipitated phase, laying the foundation for better improvement of strength and toughness in the high-temperature aging stage;

[0026] Second, high-temperature aging treatment: heating temperature is 160-180℃; holding time is 10-12h; first, it is naturally cooled in the furnace to below 100℃, and then air-cooled to room temperature;

[0027] High-temperature aging can further optimize the maturation degree of precipitated phases, improving the strength, toughness, and energy absorption properties of the material. Through the improved two-stage aging treatment described above, the strength, toughness, and energy absorption properties of aluminum alloy materials can be further enhanced.

[0028] Furthermore, S2 employs a combination of water cooling and air cooling to ensure a moderate cooling rate for the aluminum alloy billet, preventing cracking.

[0029] Beneficial effects:

[0030] This invention provides a method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road protection, which has the following advantages:

[0031] (1) In the process of preparing aluminum alloys, a two-stage annealing and two-stage aging treatment are adopted. The two-stage annealing includes primary annealing and fine annealing, which can more effectively eliminate stress and release alloy components during rolling, and perform more refined grain adjustment during annealing to obtain a finer microstructure. At the same time, the two-stage aging treatment can further optimize the ripening degree of precipitates, improve the strength, toughness and energy absorption properties of the material. The aforementioned properties can meet the application requirements of road protection facilities.

[0032] (2) The two-stage annealing and aging treatment adopted in this invention can optimize the properties of aluminum alloy materials more quickly compared with the traditional single-stage treatment method. At the same time, the two-stage treatment method is adaptable to various actual production conditions, which helps to improve the efficiency of material preparation and reduce production costs. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To enhance understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. These embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] A method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road maintenance protection includes the following steps:

[0036] Step 1: Determine the composition of the aluminum alloy material, in which the content of Mg is 1.5%, the content of Si is 0.8%, the content of Cu is 0.4%, the content of Mn is 0.7%, the content of Cr is 0.2%, the content of Zr is 0.1%, and the remainder is Al.

[0037] Step 2: Melt the determined alloy composition at 700℃ for 1 hour. Then cast the melt into an aluminum alloy billet at 690℃ at a casting speed of 15mm / s. Afterwards, use a combination of water and air cooling to ensure a moderate cooling rate and prevent cracking, cooling the billet to room temperature.

[0038] Step 3: Homogenize the aluminum alloy billet by heating it at 500℃ for 4 hours, then rapidly cooling it to below 200℃, and then allowing it to cool naturally to room temperature.

[0039] Step 4: The homogenized aluminum alloy billet is rolled at a rolling temperature of 380℃, a rolling speed of 22m / min, and a rolling pressure of 30MPa to form aluminum alloy sheets of the required specifications. Then, a two-stage annealing process is performed.

[0040] Step 4.1: Initial annealing, heating temperature is 270℃, holding time is 1.5h, slowly cooling to below 150℃, and then air cooling to room temperature.

[0041] Step 4.2: Fine annealing, heating temperature is 330℃, holding time is 5h, first cool naturally in the furnace to below 200℃, then take it out and air cool to room temperature.

[0042] Step 5: Perform a two-stage aging treatment on the annealed aluminum alloy sheet:

[0043] Step 5.1: Low-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 130℃, holding time is 7h, slowly and naturally cool to below 100℃ in the furnace, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0044] Step 5.2: High-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 170℃, holding time is 11h, first naturally cool in the furnace to below 100℃, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0045] Step 6: Perform performance testing on the prepared aluminum alloy sheet. Once the test is passed, it can be used to manufacture road protection facilities.

[0046] Example 2:

[0047] A method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road maintenance protection includes the following steps:

[0048] Step 1: Determine the composition of the aluminum alloy material, in which the content of Mg is 2%, the content of Si is 1%, the content of Cu is 0.4%, the content of Mn is 0.5%, the content of Cr is 0.25%, the content of Zr is 0.12%, and the remainder is Al.

[0049] Step 2: Melt the determined alloy composition at 700℃ for 1 hour. Then cast the melt into an aluminum alloy billet at 690℃ at a casting speed of 15mm / s. Afterwards, use a combination of water and air cooling to ensure a moderate cooling rate and prevent cracking, cooling the billet to room temperature.

[0050] Step 3: Homogenize the aluminum alloy billet by heating it at 500℃ for 4 hours, then rapidly cooling it to below 200℃, and then allowing it to cool naturally to room temperature.

[0051] Step 4: The homogenized aluminum alloy billet is rolled at a rolling temperature of 380℃, a rolling speed of 22m / min, and a rolling pressure of 30MPa to form aluminum alloy sheets of the required specifications. Then, a two-stage annealing process is performed.

[0052] Step 4.1: Initial annealing, heating temperature is 270℃, holding time is 1.5h, slowly cooling to below 150℃, and then air cooling to room temperature.

[0053] Step 4.2: Fine annealing, heating temperature is 330℃, holding time is 5h, first cool naturally in the furnace to below 200℃, then take it out and air cool to room temperature.

[0054] Step 5: Perform a two-stage aging treatment on the annealed aluminum alloy sheet:

[0055] Step 5.1: Low-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 130℃, holding time is 7h, slowly and naturally cool to below 100℃ in the furnace, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0056] Step 5.2: High-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 170℃, holding time is 11h, first naturally cool in the furnace to below 100℃, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0057] Step 6: Perform performance testing on the prepared aluminum alloy sheet. Once the test is passed, it can be used to manufacture road protection facilities.

[0058] Example 3:

[0059] A method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road maintenance protection includes the following steps:

[0060] Step 1: Determine the composition of the aluminum alloy material, in which the content of Mg is 1.5%, the content of Si is 0.8%, the content of Cu is 0.4%, the content of Mn is 0.7%, the content of Cr is 0.2%, the content of Zr is 0.1%, and the remainder is Al.

[0061] Step 2: Melt the determined alloy composition at 710℃ for 1 hour. Then cast the melt into an aluminum alloy billet at 680℃ at a casting speed of 18 mm / s. Afterward, use a combination of water and air cooling to ensure a moderate cooling rate and prevent cracking, cooling the billet to room temperature.

[0062] Step 3: Homogenize the aluminum alloy billet by heating it at 500℃ for 4 hours, then rapidly cooling it to below 200℃, and then allowing it to cool naturally to room temperature.

[0063] Step 4: The homogenized aluminum alloy billet is rolled at a rolling temperature of 380℃, a rolling speed of 22m / min, and a rolling pressure of 30MPa to form aluminum alloy sheets of the required specifications. Then, a two-stage annealing process is performed.

[0064] Step 4.1: Initial annealing, heating temperature is 270℃, holding time is 1.5h, slowly cooling to below 150℃, and then air cooling to room temperature.

[0065] Step 4.2: Fine annealing, heating temperature is 330℃, holding time is 5h, first cool naturally in the furnace to below 200℃, then take it out and air cool to room temperature.

[0066] Step 5: Perform a two-stage aging treatment on the annealed aluminum alloy sheet:

[0067] Step 5.1: Low-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 130℃, holding time is 7h, slowly and naturally cool to below 100℃ in the furnace, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0068] Step 5.2: High-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 170℃, holding time is 11h, first naturally cool in the furnace to below 100℃, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0069] Step 6: Perform performance testing on the prepared aluminum alloy sheet. Once the test is passed, it can be used to manufacture road protection facilities.

[0070] Example 4:

[0071] A method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road maintenance protection includes the following steps:

[0072] Step 1: Determine the composition of the aluminum alloy material, in which the content of Mg is 1.5%, the content of Si is 0.8%, the content of Cu is 0.4%, the content of Mn is 0.7%, the content of Cr is 0.2%, the content of Zr is 0.1%, and the remainder is Al.

[0073] Step 2: Melt the determined alloy composition at 700℃ for 1 hour. Then cast the melt into an aluminum alloy billet at 690℃ at a casting speed of 15mm / s. Afterwards, use a combination of water and air cooling to ensure a moderate cooling rate and prevent cracking, cooling the billet to room temperature.

[0074] Step 3: Homogenize the aluminum alloy billet by heating it at 500℃ for 4 hours, then rapidly cooling it to below 200℃, and then allowing it to cool naturally to room temperature.

[0075] Step 4: The homogenized aluminum alloy billet is rolled at a rolling temperature of 360℃, a rolling speed of 25m / min, and a rolling pressure of 35MPa to form aluminum alloy sheets of the required specifications. Then, a two-stage annealing process is performed.

[0076] Step 4.1: Initial annealing, heating temperature is 270℃, holding time is 1.5h, slowly cooling to below 150℃, and then air cooling to room temperature.

[0077] Step 4.2: Fine annealing, heating temperature is 330℃, holding time is 5h, first cool naturally in the furnace to below 200℃, then take it out and air cool to room temperature.

[0078] Step 5: Perform a two-stage aging treatment on the annealed aluminum alloy sheet:

[0079] Step 5.1: Low-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 130℃, holding time is 7h, slowly and naturally cool to below 100℃ in the furnace, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0080] Step 5.2: High-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 170℃, holding time is 11h, first naturally cool in the furnace to below 100℃, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0081] Step 6: Perform performance testing on the prepared aluminum alloy sheet. Once the test is passed, it can be used to manufacture road protection facilities.

[0082] Example 5:

[0083] A method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road maintenance protection includes the following steps:

[0084] Step 1: Determine the composition of the aluminum alloy material, in which the content of Mg is 1.5%, the content of Si is 0.8%, the content of Cu is 0.4%, the content of Mn is 0.7%, the content of Cr is 0.2%, the content of Zr is 0.1%, and the remainder is Al.

[0085] Step 2: Melt the determined alloy composition at 700℃ for 1 hour. Then cast the melt into an aluminum alloy billet at 690℃ at a casting speed of 15mm / s. Afterwards, use a combination of water and air cooling to ensure a moderate cooling rate and prevent cracking, cooling the billet to room temperature.

[0086] Step 3: Homogenize the aluminum alloy billet by heating it at 500℃ for 4 hours, then rapidly cooling it to below 200℃, and then allowing it to cool naturally to room temperature.

[0087] Step 4: The homogenized aluminum alloy billet is rolled at a rolling temperature of 380℃, a rolling speed of 22m / min, and a rolling pressure of 30MPa to form aluminum alloy sheets of the required specifications. Then, a two-stage annealing process is performed.

[0088] Step 4.1: Initial annealing, heating temperature is 260℃, holding time is 2h, slowly cooling to below 150℃, and then air cooling to room temperature.

[0089] Step 4.2: Fine annealing, heating temperature is 340℃, holding time is 6h, first cool naturally in the furnace to below 200℃, then take it out and air cool to room temperature.

[0090] Step 5: Perform a two-stage aging treatment on the annealed aluminum alloy sheet:

[0091] Step 5.1: Low-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 140℃, holding time is 8h, slowly and naturally cool to below 100℃ in the furnace, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0092] Step 5.2: High-temperature aging treatment, heating temperature is 180℃, holding time is 12h, first naturally cool in the furnace to below 100℃, and then air cool to room temperature.

[0093] Step 6: Perform performance testing on the prepared aluminum alloy sheet. Once the test is passed, it can be used to manufacture road protection facilities.

[0094] The aluminum alloy prepared above was subjected to performance testing. The tensile strength of the aluminum alloy was 300-450 MPa, the yield strength was 250-400 MPa, the elongation was 12-20%, and the energy absorption capacity measured in the dynamic impact test was 40-70 kJ / m. 2 This indicates that the aluminum alloy has a high energy absorption capacity, thus providing good protection when subjected to impact.

[0095] As a further improvement, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road protection, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Determine the composition of the aluminum alloy material, wherein the composition of the aluminum alloy material includes: Mg 1.0~3.0%; Si 0.4~1.2%; Cu 0.2~0.6%; Mn 0.4~1.0%; Cr 0.1~0.3%; Zr 0.05~0.15%, the remainder being Al; S2: The determined composition of the aluminum alloy material is smelted to form an aluminum alloy melt, which is then cast into an aluminum alloy billet and cooled to room temperature; S3: Homogenize the aluminum alloy billet: Heat the aluminum alloy billet in the range of 480~520℃ and hold for 3~5 hours, then quickly cool it to below 200℃, and then allow it to cool naturally to room temperature; S4: Rolling and Annealing: The homogenized aluminum alloy billet is rolled to form aluminum alloy sheet of the required specifications. The rolling speed and rolling pressure are controlled during the rolling process. After rolling, a two-stage annealing process is performed. After annealing, the sheet is air-cooled to room temperature. S5: Aging treatment: The annealed aluminum alloy sheet undergoes a two-stage aging treatment, followed by air cooling to room temperature. S6: Performance testing: The prepared aluminum alloy sheets are subjected to performance testing. After passing the test, they are used in the manufacture of road protection facilities. The two-stage annealing process in S4 is as follows: First, initial annealing: heating temperature is 260~280℃; holding time is 1~2h; slowly cool to below 150℃, then air cool to room temperature; Second, fine annealing: the heating temperature is 320~340℃, and the holding time is 4~6h; first, let it cool naturally in the furnace to below 200℃, and then take it out and air cool to room temperature; The two-stage aging process in S5 is as follows: First, low-temperature aging treatment: heating temperature is 120~140℃; holding time is 6~8h; slow natural cooling in the furnace to below 100℃, and then air cooling to room temperature; Second, high-temperature aging treatment: heating temperature is 160~180℃; holding time is 10~12h; first, it is naturally cooled in the furnace to below 100℃, and then air-cooled to room temperature.

2. The method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road protection according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S2, the melting temperature is controlled at 680~720℃, the holding time is 1h, the casting temperature is 685~695℃, and the casting speed is 13~18mm / s.

3. The method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road protection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rolling temperature in S4 is 350~400℃, the rolling speed is 20~25m / min, and the rolling pressure is 25~35MPa.

4. The method for preparing an energy-absorbing high-strength aluminum alloy material for road protection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The S2 uses a combination of water cooling and air cooling to ensure a moderate cooling rate for the aluminum alloy billet and prevent cracking.