Effects of Al–Ti–C–Ce Master Alloy on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hypoeutectic Al–7%Si Alloy

Abstract

It is well known that the mechanical properties of hypoeutectic Al–7%Si alloys are influenced by the size, morphology, and distribution of primary α-Al and eutectic Si crystals. In the present work, a novel Al–Ti–C–Ce master alloy was prepared by the pure molten aluminum thermal explosion reaction, and its effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of hypoeutectic Al–7%Si alloy were investigated. The results show that the Al–Ti–C–Ce master alloy containing α-Al, granular TiC, lump-like TiAl3, and block-like Ti2Al20Ce has excellent refining and modification properties for hypoeutectic Al–7%Si alloy. When 1.5 wt.% Al–Ti–C–Ce master alloy is added, the coarse dendritic α-Al in hypoeutectic Al–7%Si alloy is refined into equiaxed grains. The secondary dendritic arm spacing (SDAS) was also reduced, and the coarse needle-flake eutectic Si phase was transformed into a fibrous and granular phase. It was found that the ultimate tensile strength and elongation increased by 59% and 56%, respectively, due to the decrease in the SDAS of primary α-Al dendrites and the modification of eutectic Si crystals. Moreover, the change of mechanical properties corresponds to the evolution of microstructure.