Thermal Analysis of Aluminum Alloys

Microstructural characterization of aluminum alloys is typically performed by combining microscopy techniques with measurement of physical properties such as conductivity and hardness. Relatively recently calorimetric techniques have been used to complement the more traditional methodologies. This article will discuss: basic principles, instrumentation and experimental procedures, reaction kinetics, and general rules for interpreting DTA and DSC data. Heat treatable, non-heat treatable alloy and aluminum-based composite characterization are discussed.