Abstract
Aluminum alloy is the important alloy which has been widely used. To reduce waste, it is necessary to thixoform these alloys in near net shape. Semi-solid slurry is the key in process. In this work, the semi-solid slurry of ZL101 aluminum alloy was prepared by using serpentine channel. Effect of process parameters on the microstructure of semi-solid ZL101 aluminum alloy produced by serpentine channel was investigated. The results show that, the morphology of primary α-Al grains transformed from rosette to spheroid with decreasing pouring temperature. Satisfied semi-solid slurry of ZL101 aluminum alloy was prepared with pouring at 630°C to 670°C. Increasing curve number can improve the morphology of primary α-Al grain and decrease grain size with same pouring temperature. Desired slurry can be obtained with the lower pouring temperature when serpentine channel is preheated. It can make the primary nucleus gradually evolve into spherical and near-spherical grains with the effect of “self-stirring” in serpentine channel and chilling.
Highlights
Many researchers have examined the benefits of semi‐solid processing (SSP) over the last several decades
As-cast ZL101 aluminum alloy were machined into feedstocks with mass of 1kg
ZL101 aluminum alloy semi-solid slurry is obtained with effect of chilling and stirring in serpentine channel
Summary
Many researchers have examined the benefits of semi‐solid processing (SSP) over the last several decades. Semi-solid processing is a promising technology based on the thixotropic behavior of materials in semi-solid state, which takes place at temperatures between solidus and liquidus. The process depends on material behaving in a thixotropic way in semi‐solid state 1-4. The required spheroidal microstructure can be obtained by a number of routes, such as mechanical stirring 5,6, electromagnetic stirring 7,8. The former readily pollutes metal and the latter has low electromagnetic stirring efficiency. 18-21 These techniques have similarities, such as, pouring the alloy melt through a plate or tube without stirring. They greatly reduce energy consumption and save cost of production
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