Abstract
Purpose: The work objective includes optimization of the casting production and heat treatment processes that will simultaneously maximize the combination of strength, hardness, and ductility for hypereutectic Al-Si compositions with Si volume fractions of as much as 25 vol.%. In addition, such an in-situ formed composite alloy will attain a unique combination of low production cost, high potential recycled content, and functional characteristics suitable for mission critical aerospace and vehicular applications. Design/methodology/approach: The unique High Pressure Die Casting Universal Metallurgical Simulator and Analyser (HPDC UMSA) was used for melting, cyclic melt treatment, and solidification of the hypereutectic Al-Si-X (A390). The produced as-cast structures contained colonies of nano-diameter Si whiskers and other morphologies, and absence of primary silicon particles. Heat treated structures rendered nano and ultrafine metal matrix composites. Findings: New developed as-cast Al-Si materials containing nano-diameter Si whiskers, without primary silicon particles required ultra short time heat treatment to result in nano and ultrafine metal matrix composite, rendering their hardness, strength and wear resistance, and the same time retaining toughness and ductility. Research limitations/implications: The cast samples were produced in laboratory conditions and potential tensile strength was estimated from empirical correlation with micro-hardness measurements. In the future, the comprehensive mechanical properties need to be tested. Practical implications: These ultrafine Si, Al-MMCs can be net-shape formed by modified HPDC technology or consolidated from spray-atomized alloy powder. Originality/value: Optimization of the entire production process for the hypereutectic Al-Si alloy compositions achieved a uniform distribution of ~ 25 vol.% of ultrafine Si particles in ductile FCC-Al matrix further reinforced by age hardening with nano-scale spinodal GP-zones. The associated mechanical property and ductility improvements will open a wide range of critical lightweighting components in transportation: aerospace, terrestrial vehicle and marine to the optimized hypereutectic Al-Si alloys. Presently, these components do not use the commercial HPDC A390 alloys due to their limited ductility and strength. Proposed new technology will allow conversion of various cast airspace alloys with ultrahigh mechanical properties to the automotive applications.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have