Effects of Solution Treatment on the Microstructure,Tensile Properties,and Impact Toughness of an Al–5.0Mg–3.0Zn–1.0Cu Cast Alloy

This study investigates the eff ect of solution treatment(at 470 °C for 0–48 h) on the microstructural evolution,tensile properties,and impact properties of an Al–5.0Mg–3.0Zn–1.0Cu(wt%) alloy prepared by permanent gravity casting.The results show that the as-cast microstructure consists of α-Al dendrites and a network-like pattern of T-Mg_(32)(AlZnCu) 49 phases.Most of the T-phases were dissolved within 24 h at 470 ℃;and a further prolonging of solution time resulted in a rapid growth of α-Al grains.No transformation from the T-phase to the S-Al_2CuMg phase was discovered in this alloy.Both the tensile properties and impact toughness increased quickly,reached a maximum peak value,and decreased gradually as the solution treatment proceeded.The impact toughness is more closely related to the elongation,and the relationship between impact toughness and elongation appears to obey an equation:IT = 8.43 EL-3.46.After optimal solution treatment at 470 ℃ for 24 h,this alloy exhibits excellent mechanical properties with the ultimate tensile strength,yield strength,elongation and impact toughness being 431.6 MPa,270.1 MPa,19.4% and 154.7 kJ/m~2,which are comparable to that of a wrought Al–6.0 Mg–0.7 Mn alloy(5E06,a 5 xxx aluminum alloy).Due to its excellent comprehensive combination of mechanical properties,this cast alloy has high potential for use in components which require medium strength,high ductility and high toughness.     

Effect of Mn on Fe containing phase formation in high purity aluminium

In this study, the effect of varying Mn additions on Fe phase formation in high purity Al and its corresponding effect on the resulting mechanical properties have been investigated. Thermodynamic simulations have shown that in the Al–Fe–Mn ternary system two intermetallic phases (namely Al₆(Fe,Mn) and Al₁₃Fe₄) form. Findings indicated that a relatively high amount (>1 wt-%) of Mn was required to achieve Al₆(FeMn) phase formation which was congruent with experimental results. Both the Al–Fe and Al–Fe–Mn phases observed displayed fibre/platelet type morphologies and were found to exist at α-Al grain/cell boundaries. Results indicate that the Fe phases coarsen with increasing Mn content. In the Al–Fe system the Mn addition improves yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) but reduces elongation beyond the reduction resulting from the Fe addition. The further decrease in elongation with Mn was attributed to the increase in volume fraction of the intermetallic phases.     

Precipitation of partially coherent α-Al(Mn,Fe)Si dispersoids and their strengthening effect in AA 3003 alloy

The orientation relationship (OR) between α-Al(Mn,Fe)Si dispersoids and the Al matrix in AA 3003 alloy has been systematically studied by selected area electron diffraction patterns. New types of ORs between the cubic dispersoids and the cubic matrix phase have been found as 〈1 −1 1〉_p//〈1 −1 1〉_m and {5 −2 −7}_p//{0 1 1}_m. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and crystal structure simulation studies on the habit planes of dispersoids show that α-Al(Mn,Fe)Si dispersoids are partially coherent with the Al matrix. Precipitation of α-Al(Mn,Fe)Si dispersoids in the alloy has been found to have a strong influence on enhancing both the yield strength and tensile strength of the alloy. The dispersion-hardening effect of the dispersoids has been explained by the Orowan mechanism.     

Effects of Ag,Co, and Ge additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of Be-Al alloy fabricated by investment casting

The effects of Ag, Co, and Ge additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of Be-35Al (wt.%) alloys fabricated by investment casting were studied. The results reveal that the trace metals 1.5wt.% Ag, 0.7wt.% Co, and 0.8wt.% Ge additions do not change the nucleation temperature of Be phase. However, the nucleation temperature of the Al phase decreases from 642 °C to 630 °C by DSC due to the Ge addition. The strength of the alloys sharply increases due to the dissolution of the Ag and Ge solutes into the Al phase and the Co into the Be phase characterized by SEM and EDS. Obviously, the strength of Be-Al-Ag-Co-Ge alloy is improved by the solution strengthening. Furthermore, a few Ag₃Al particles contribute to the strength of the Al phase. Be-Fe-Al ternary intermetallic compounds which can effectively reduce the negative effect of an impurity element Fe on the mechanical properties of Be-Al alloys are also found by XRD and EDS.

     

Tensile and fracture toughness properties of SiC<Subscript>p</Subscript> reinforced Al alloys: Effects of particle size,particle volume fraction,and matrix strength

The goal of this work was to evaluate the effects of particle size, particle volume fraction, and matrix strength on the monotonic fracture properties of two different Al alloys, namely T1-Al2124 and T1-Al6061, reinforced with silicon carbide particles (SiC_p). From the tensile tests, an increase in particle volume fraction and/or matrix strength increased strength and decreased ductility. On the other hand, an increase in particle size reduced strength and increased the composite ductility. In fracture toughness tests, an increase in particle volume fraction reduced the toughness of the composites. An increase in matrix strength reduced both K _crit and δ_crit values. However, in terms of K _Q (5%) values, the Al6061 composite showed a value similar to the corresponding Al2124 composite. This was mainly attributed to premature yielding caused by the high ductility/low strength of the Al6061 matrix and the testpiece dimensions. The effect of particle size on the fracture toughness depends on the type of matrix and toughness parameter used. In general, an increase in particle size decreased the K _Q (5%) value, but simultaneously increased the amount of plastic strain that the matrix is capable of accommodating, increasing both δ_crit and K _crit values.     

Heat-transfer corrosion behaviour of cast Al alloy

Heat-transfer corrosion behaviour of an ISO 2379 cast Al alloy was studied in antifreeze radiator coolant under heat-rejecting condition. Extensive analyses of microstructures and corroded surfaces were carried out under the optical microscope, scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer. Heat-rejecting condition led to a cavitation process and cavities were observed within the α-Al matrix. Crevice corrosion was predominant at oxygen depleted regions in heat-transfer corrosion cell. Al₂Cu, Al₁₅(Fe,Mn)₃Si₂ dendrites, Al₄Cu₂Mg₈Si₇ and Si phases served as the effective cathodes resulting microgalvanic corrosion at the anodic site of α-Al matrix.     

对A356Al合金细化和变质处理的研究

研究了A356Al合金熔体处理过程中细化与变质的交互作用。结果表明:只添加Al-10Sr的熔体处理,α-Al二次枝晶间距为19.6μm,抗拉强度228MPa、屈服强度177MPa、伸长率8.9%、布氏硬度73HBW;而只添加Al-4Ti-1B的熔体处理,α-Al二次枝晶间距为17.3μm,抗拉强度203MPa、屈服强度159MPa、伸长率6.9%、布氏硬度67HBW。指出:Si相的形态对A356Al合金力学性能影响最大,变质效力是限制A356Al合金力学性能的首要因素。     

Effect of heat treatment on microstructures and mechanical properties of A356 alloy cast through rapid slurry formation (RSF) process

The effect of T5 heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of A356 alloy was observed. The as-cast A356 alloy exhibited coarse dendrites and long Si needles. RSF process changed the dendritic α-Al phase to globular morphology which helps in improving the mechanical properties of the alloy. The addition of 0.6wt-% Al–5Ti–1B grain refiner refined the average grain size of primary α-Al phase. T5 heat treatment at 170 °C for 20 h in different processing conditions was given to A356 alloy. T5 heat treatment led to further refinement of α-Al phase and Si needles, precipitation hardening due to Mg₂Si phase and reduction in the porosity level (%). The Quality Index for A356 alloy in different processing conditions was also measured. Results showed that RSF process with the use of baffles, addition of grain refiner and T5 heat treatment had improved the mechanical properties over other processing conditions.     

Roles of Manganese in the High-temperature Oxidation Resistance of Alumina-forming Austenitic Steels at above 800?°C

A new family of alumina-forming austenitic (AFA) stainless steels is under development for uses in aggressive oxidizing conditions. This paper investigates the effect of manganese additions on the oxidation kinetics and alumina scale formation in two series of AFA steels, i.e., Fe–20Ni–14Cr–2.5Al and Fe–18Cr–25Ni–3Al base. At 800?°C in dry air, the oxidation resistance was moderately degraded with additions of larger than 1 wt% Mn in the AFA steels based on Fe–14Cr–20Ni–2.5Al. At 900?°C in air with 10?% water vapor, however, additions of Mn in these AFA steels based on Fe–18Cr–25Ni–3Al would significantly destabilize the alumina scale formation and degrade the oxidation resistance. Our analysis revealed that additions of Mn stimulated formation of the coarse spinel CrMn_1.5O₄ and Cr₂O₃ oxide and destroyed the continuity of the protective alumina scales, thus worsening the oxidation performance. In addition, it was found that there exists an upper limit for the Mn additions which is decreased with the increase of the service temperatures and presence of aggressive oxidizing agents.     

Effects of cerium and manganese on corrosion of Fe–Cr and Fe–Cr–Ni alloys in Ar–20CO2 gas at 818 °C

Model alloys Fe–9Cr, Fe–20Cr and Fe–20Cr–20Ni (wt.%) with Ce (0.05%, 0.1%) or Mn (1%, 2%) were exposed to Ar–20CO₂ gas at 818 °C. Scales on Fe–9Cr alloys consisted of FeO and FeCr₂O₄, Fe–20Cr–(Ce) alloys formed only Cr₂O₃, and Fe–20Cr–(Mn) alloys formed Cr₂O₃ and MnCr₂O₄. All Fe–20Cr–20Ni alloys formed Fe₃O₄, FeCr₂O₄ and FeNi₃. Cerium additions had little effects, but additions of 2% Mn significantly improved oxidation resistance of Fe–20Cr and Fe–20Cr–20Ni alloys. Most alloys also carburized. All alloys developed protective chromium-rich oxide scales in air. Different behavior in the two gases is attributed to faster Cr₂O₃ scaling rates induced by CO₂.     

Microstructural observations on Fe-intermetallics in unmodified and Sr-modified Al-Si-Cu (A380.1) die casting alloy

The present work was performed on an Al-9%Si-3.2 % Cu-1 % Fe-0.17 % Mn-0.04 % Mg (A380.1) alloy, in the unmodified and Sr-modified (350 ppm Sr) conditions. Three pouring temperatures, 750 °C, 720 °C and 620 °C, were used in each case. The liquid metal was poured into a hot graphite mould, cold metallic mould and cold water which produced castings whose microstructures exhibited average dendrite arm spacings (DASs) of ～45 μm, ～15 μm, and ～5 μm, respectively. The microstructures were analysed using optical microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Tensile test bars were also prepared using a Stahl permanent mould (type ASTM 108-B), each Stahl mould casting providing two test bars. The test bars were tensile tested in the T6 condition (6–8 bars per composition). The results obtained show that the presence of Sr leads to precipitation of a large part of the iron intermetallics in the form of coarse pre-dendritic particles situated within the α-Al dendrites, instead of in the interdendritic regions. This is expected to homogenise the stress distribution across the alloy matrix, and hence lead to better tensile properties. In the alloy containing a higher Fe-content (1.4% Fe), but the same amount of Mn, addition of 0.08% Be together with 0.02% Sr is equivalent to the addition of 1% Mn (for an Mn/Fe ratio of 0.7) in terms of the tensile properties. The results are discussed in detail in the paper.     

Microstructure and mechanical performance of a secondary cast aluminium piston alloy with minor element additions

The effect of individual and combined minor element additions (Sr, Sb, Mn, Cr and Al-5Ti-1B grain refiner) on microstructure and mechanical performance of a secondary cast aluminium piston alloy, with 1 wt-% Fe was investigated. It was observed that addition of Cr of up to 1% was better than a 0.53%Mn addition in improving tensile strength, impact energy and percent elongation of the alloy. The high mechanical performance recorded with addition of 1%Cr alloy was attributed to the significant reduction in porosity levels compared to all other minor element additions. It also resulted in a microstructure with fine compact intermetallic compounds. Other element additions also resulted in improved mechanical properties with 0.53%Mn performing better than 0.3%Mn + 0.2%Cr. Marginal improvements in mechanical performance were recorded with addition of 0.02%Sr (or 0.05%) and 0.02%Sb individually or in combination with 0.53%Mn. This was attributed to general increase in porosity and volume fraction of intermetallics.     

Influence of a high magnetic field on columnar dendrite growth during directional solidification

The influence of a high magnetic field on the growth of MnBi, α-Al and Al₃Ni dendrites in directionally solidified Bi–Mn, Al–Cu and Al–Ni alloys have been investigated. Results indicate that the magnetic field changes the dendrite growth significantly. Indeed, the magnetic field aligns the primary dendrite arm and the effect is different for different dendrites. For the MnBi dendrite, an axial high magnetic field enhanced the growth of the primary dendrite arm along the solidification direction; however, for the α-Al and Al₃Ni dendrites, the magnetic field caused the primary dendrite arm to deviate from the solidification direction. At a lower growth speed, a high magnetic field is capable of causing the occurrence of the columnar-to-equiaxed transition (CET). Moreover, it has also been observed that a high magnetic field affects the growth of the high-order (i.e., secondary and tertiary) dendrite arms of the α-Al dendrite at a higher growth speed; as a consequence, the field enhances the branching of the dendrite and the formation of the (1 1 1)-twin planes. The above results may be attributed to the alignment of the primary dendrite arm under a high magnetic field and the effect of a high magnetic field on crystalline anisotropy during directional solidification.     

硅、锰和富铈混合稀土对工业纯铝铸态显微组织的影响

采用金相显微分析法,研究添加Si、Mn及富Ce稀土对工业纯铝中初晶α-Al晶粒度和富Fe相(Al3Fe)形貌的影响.结果表明,Si、Mn和RE对工业纯铝显微组织的影响和作用机制不同.添加Si起到细化初晶晶粒和增加富Fe相含量的作用;添加Mn几乎没有细化初晶,但是降低合金中富Fe相的含量;添加RE不但细化晶粒,还显著降低富Fe相的含量.就各元素的作用机制进行了探讨.     

复合添加Cr、Mn、Zr对Al-Zn-Mg合金组织和性能的影响

通过光学显微镜、扫描电镜、透射电镜观察以及拉伸试验等手段,研究Cr、Mn、Zr微合金元素对Al-Zn-Mg合金组织和性能的影响。结果表明:复合添加Zr、Mn、Cr在基体上析出大量不规则的、直径为10~20 nm与基体共格的(Al,Cr)₃Zr粒子。(Al,Cr)₃Zr粒子弥散相能强烈钉扎位错、阻碍位错和亚晶界迁移,显著抑制再结晶和晶粒长大。复合添加Zr、Mn、Cr的Al-Zn-Mg合金的抗拉强度和规定塑性延伸强度分别提高34 MPa、19 MPa,具有较好的加工性能和力学性能。     

Ce、Y和Gd对Mg-3Sn-2Sr镁合金铸态组织和力学性能的影响(英文)

通过扫描电镜、X射线衍射、差热分析以及抗拉和蠕变性能测试等手段,调查和比较了Ce、Y和Gd对Mg-3Sn-2Sr镁合金铸态组织和力学性能的影响。结果表明:Mg-3Sn-2Sr三元合金主要由?-Mg、初生和共晶SrMgSn以及Mg2Sn相组成。当添加1.0%Ce、1.0%Y和1.0%Gd到Mg-3Sn-2Sr合金后,合金中分别形成了Mg12Ce、YMgSn、GdMgSn和/或Mg17Sr2相。同时,合金中初生SrMgSn相的形成被抑制,且呈针状的粗大初生SrMgSn相也被变质和细化。此外,添加1.0%Ce、1.0%Y和1.0%Gd均能同时改善Mg-3Sn-2Sr合金的抗拉性能和蠕变性能。在含Ce、Y和Gd合金中,含Ce合金的抗拉性能相对较含Y和含Gd合金的高。