Influence of Ce on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of HMn64-8-5-1.5 Brass

Abstract

The rare earths are important modifier in copper alloy. This paper did research about the effect of Ce on microstructures and mechanical properties of HMn64-8-5-1.5 brass. The addition of Ce can refine the matrix grain of as-cast and extruded HMn64-8-5-1.5 brass, reduce the size and quantity of big hard phase , and contribute to the extraction of tiny hard phase, such as Mn5Si3 phase. When given tensile stress, hard phases can produce crack initiations. The addition of rare earth Ce can increase the number of hard phase and thus produce more crack initiations, so that the mechanical properties of HMn64-8-5-1.5 brass can be reduced.