Influence of the solidification temperature range on Gasar structures made from Cu–Mn alloys

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the influence of the solidification temperature range of an alloy system on Gasar structures is investigated from the aspect of solidification mode and mushy zone length. The solidification mode and mushy zone length for various Cu–Mn alloys during unidirectional solidification are predicted by theoretical analysis. The calculated data indicate that it is reasonable, possible, but difficult to fabricate porous Cu-34.6 wt.% Mn, Cu-24 wt.% Mn, and Cu-46.6 wt.% Mn alloys by the Gasar process, respectively. Accordingly, lotus-type porous Cu-34.6 wt.% Mn alloy with regularly oriented pores was prepared and solidified with a cellular structure. Porous Cu-24 wt.% Mn alloy with directional pores could be fabricated, solidifying with a columnar dendritic structure. Porous Cu-46.6 wt.% Mn alloy with irregular large pores was obtained, and solidified with an equiaxed dendritic structure.