Evolution of Micro Structural and Mechanical Properties of Al-10 Wt. % Cu Alloy Processed Through Centrifugal Casting at Different Rotational Speeds of the Die

Abstract

Aluminium and its alloys normally solidify as columnar structure with finer grain size which results in improved microstructure and good mechanical strength. Al-10 wt. % cu alloy was produced using centrifugal casting technique by varying the rotating speed of the die on the time of solidification. The microstructure and mechanical behaviour are affected greatly by the solidification rate. In centrifugal casting faster solidification rate obtained compared to that of conventional casting (stir) method even though many parameters directly effect the solidification and the parameters may be listed as die wall thickness, temperature of pouring the metal in the molten state and the die rotating speed. This paper focus on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-10 wt.% cu alloy processed at various die rotational speeds of 700 rpm, 800 rpm and 900 rpm. Since rotational speed has direct effect on solidification, microstructure, hardness and tensile strength. The result shows that microstructure variation shows morphological changes of the secondary phase (Al2Cu) phase by decreasing in porosity. On the other hand mechanical properties, increases hardness values 97±52, 87±39 and 114±32 Mpa, and tensile strength is 56±5, 60±7 and 64±9 Mpa as compared to the lower casting speed at 700 rpm.