This study characterizes the microstructure of an aluminum bronze alloy (similar to the C63020) subjected to different heat treatments. The established temperature cycles are responsible for the formation of phases that directly interfere with the mechanical strength of the material. We used an EDS microprobe coupled with a scanning electron microscope to identify the phases resultant after the heat treatment. The results showed that the alloy under study has two different processes of hardening due to the variation of temperature of homogenization. The homogenized sample at 900°C and quenched in water had its martensitic transformation and stress relieved after being tempered at 500°C for two hours. For the sample heat treated at 770°C for 2 h and tempered at 500°C/2h, precipitation hardening occurred.
Aluminum bronze; microstructural characterization; heat treatment; precipitation
