Mechanical and microstructural characterization of aluminum melted with alternative method

Aluminum is one of the most utilized metals in food, aeronautical, automotive, and architectural industries, due to its intrinsic properties. For this reason, it is important to explore new methods to reuse it. This study was performed to analyze the mechanical and structural properties of aluminum obtained with a homemade oven composed with easily accessible materials. Due to the lack of data about the characteristics of these kinds of materials, its possible applications are unknown. The structural characterization was carried out through optic and electronic microscopy and mechanical testing. The chemical composition was analyzed with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Microscopy images show the presence of cavities in the samples besides the evidence of problems in the solidification phase. The composition analysis shows the presence of Carbon and Magnesium. The mechanical testing showed that the Al obtained had elastic modules and less elongation when compared to commercial Al, which limited the possible uses of this kind of aluminum.