Effects of Rotating Magnetic Field on Microstructure and Properties of Bi-Containing Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloy

Abstract

In the present paper, based on Bi-containing hypereutectic Al-20%Si alloy, a rotating magnetic field was used, the microstructures of the alloy have been observed and analyzed by optical microscope and scanning electronic microscope, and its wear-resisting property was measured. The influence mechanism of rotating magnetic field on the microstructures and properties of the alloy has been discussed. Research results show that exerting a rotating magnetic field in the hypereutectic Al-20%Si alloy drastically decreases the amount of primary Si phase, only some tiny bulk Si exist and the amount of needle eutectic Si increase. The dendrite-like primary α-Al appears at the same time. With the increase of stirring rate of rotating magnetic field, the change way of eutectic Si shape is coarse needle→tiny needle→coarse needle; the rotating magnetic field can change the nonuniform distribution of Bi induced by Bi local decentralization. With the increase of stirring rate of rotating magnetic field, the change way of Bi shape in upper part microstructures of the alloy is large bulk→short rodlike→big globular→small globular, Bi local decentralization is changed into uniform distribution; In addition, exerting a rotating magnetic field in the hypereutectic Al-20%Si alloy can increase wear-resisting property of the alloy.