The best method for heat treatment of aluminum is vacuum heat treatment, which involves heating the aluminum in a high vacuum environment to prevent over-oxidation and to achieve uniform distribution of trace elements and adjustment of the internal organizational structure. This method is particularly suitable for functional aluminum products that require specific superior dielectric properties.
Explanation:
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Prevention of Over-oxidation: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to air, which is beneficial for corrosion resistance. However, during heat treatment, excessive oxidation can occur, which can negatively impact the product's properties and the subsequent production processes. By performing heat treatment in a vacuum, the aluminum is protected from over-oxidation, ensuring that the surface quality and internal structure are not compromised.
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High Vacuum Environment: The vacuum heat treatment process uses a combination of vacuum rotary vane pumps, vacuum booster pumps, and vacuum diffusion pumps to achieve a high vacuum degree (more than 6.7×10-2Pa) within the furnace. This high vacuum ensures that the aluminum is heated and treated in an environment free from air and other gases that could cause oxidation.
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Temperature Control and Heating: Once the desired vacuum level is achieved, the furnace is electrically heated to the specific temperature required by the process. The aluminum products are then heated and treated by radiation in this vacuum environment. This controlled heating ensures that the trace elements within the aluminum are evenly distributed and that the internal structure is optimized for the desired properties.
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Cooling and Post-Treatment: After the heat treatment process is completed, the heating and heat preservation are stopped, and the product is allowed to cool naturally to the required temperature. This controlled cooling process is crucial as it helps in stabilizing the properties achieved through the heat treatment. Once cooled, the product is removed from the furnace for further processing.
Conclusion: Vacuum heat treatment is the optimal method for treating aluminum, especially for functional applications where specific properties are required. This method ensures that the aluminum is not over-oxidized, maintains the integrity of its surface and internal structure, and achieves the desired distribution of trace elements and organizational adjustments. The controlled environment and precise temperature management make vacuum heat treatment a superior choice for enhancing the properties of aluminum products.
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