Microstructure Evolution of a Fine Grain Al-50wt%Si Alloy Fabricated by High Energy Milling

Abstract

Microstructure evolution of high energy milled Al-50wt%Si alloy during heat treatment at different temperature was studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the size of the alloy powders decreased with increasing milling time. The observable coarsening of Si particles was not seen below 730°C in the high energy milled alloy, whereas, for the alloy prepared by mixed Al and Si powders, the grain growth occurred at 660°C. The activation energy for the grain growth of Si particles in the high energy milled alloy was determined as about 244 kJ/mol by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data analysis. The size of Si particles in the hot pressed Al-50wt%Si alloy prepared by high energy milled powders was 5-30 m at 700°C, which was significantly reduced compared to that of the original Si powders. Thermal diffusivity of the hot pressed Al-50wt%Si alloy was 55 mm2/s at room temperature which was obtained by laser method.