Effect of Alloying on the Microstructure and Strength of the Ni Bronzes

Abstract

In this study, Al was added to the Cu15Ni8Sn Ni-bronze alloy. The effects of the added amount of Al on the microstructure and strength of the alloy were investigated. As an approach, the Sn element has been replaced by Al. The element Al was added at 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt. %. Alloys were melted in a graphite crucible by induction melting and poured into a graphite mold. No heat treatment was applied to the cast alloys. The microstructure of the alloys was studied under a light optical microscope (LOM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mechanical characterizations were made by hardness measurement and tensile tests. Metallographic studies showed that the microstructure was not changed with the amount of Al added. Chemical composition changes in the phases were reflected in the mechanical properties. It was determined that the composition with the highest hardness and strength among the alloys was the composition containing 15Ni, 4Sn, and 4Al wt.%. The alloy with the highest ductility and toughness is Cu15Ni8Al.