Effect of Rolling-Remelting SIMA Process on Semi-Solid Microstructure of ZCuSn10 Alloy

Abstract

Semi-solid billet of ZCuSn10 (Wt%: 88.25Cu, 10.48Sn) alloy is prepared by strain induced melt activated (SIMA) method which including rolling and remelting process. Firstly, ZCuSn10 alloy is casted, and rolling samples are cut from ingot casting. Secondly, the rolling samples are two pass or four pass rolled after holding 15 minutes at 450°C, then samples with 10% and 20% pre-deformation degree are obtained. The remelting samples are cut from pre-deformed samples. Lastly, the remelting samples are reheated up to 850°C or 875°C, water quenching after holding for 15 minutes. Then semi-solid microstructure of ZCuSn10 alloy is prepared. The semi-solid microstructure of ZCuSn10 alloy is observed and compared with annealed microstructure and microstructure of ZCuSn10 alloy directly remelted after casting. The results indicate that semi-solid microstructure of ZCuSn10 alloy by rolling-remelting SIMA process is uniform and fine grain, and spheroidization level of solid particle is well. The optimum semi-solid microstructure is obtained when alloy with pre-deformation 20% is remelted at 875°C for 15 minutes, the average grain diameter is about 75.80μm, shape factor is 1.62, and volume fraction of liquid phase reaches about 17.28%. Pre-deformation process plays a crucial role in grain refinement and spheroidization during SIMA process for preparing the semi-solid ZCuSn10 alloy, as pre-deformation degree and remelting temperature increases, volume fraction of liquid phase increases, the solid particles in semi-solid microstructure are smaller and rounder. The main mechanism of SIMA process preparing semi-solid billet of ZCuSn10 alloy is that pre-deformation breaks dendrites and stores energy of deformation into alloy, and promotes dendrites fusing through remelting process. Meanwhile, liquid phase occupies sharp corners of solid particles by Sn element diffusing from liquid phase into α solid phase, so that fine and uniform and globular α solid particles are gained.