Fractographic Investigation and Mechanical Properties of Novel 7xxx Al-Alloy from Recycled Beverage Cans (RBCs) for Automotive Components Application

When aluminum alloys are deployed in the industry, the load bearing capacity are key to selection. Fractographic study of new aluminum alloys cast using Recycled Beverage Cans (RBCs) with the focus of relating the mechanical properties with the fracture characterization is relevant in deploying 7xxx alloys for automobile applications. This chapter assessed the effect of variation in wt.% Zn (4.0–5.0), artificial ageing temperature (100 and 120 °C) and soaking time (6, 10 and 15 h) on the nature of fracture with elemental characterization of the alloys. Ductile dimples, tear ridges, quasi-cleavage surface were characterized. Mechanical properties were better with cup cone fractures as fracture surface were about 45° to the tensile plane. Prolonged ageing time and temperature were detrimental to mechanical properties of alloys from RBCs. The novelty of this study is the characterization of a new Al–(4–5)Zn–1.5 Mg–1.0Mn–0.35Cu alloy cast from about 85% recycled materials. Future studies should concentrate on reducing the contaminants and unintended constituents during laboratory experiments of this alloys.