Microstucture and Mechanical Properties of Semi-Solid Sn–58Bi Alloy

Abstract

Preparation of semi-solid Sn–58Bi alloys by mechanical stirring casting method was investigated. The effect of temperature below the melting temperature on the microstructures and mechanical properties of semi-solid Sn–58Bi alloys was discussed. The experimental results showed that long plate shape, block shape and suborbicular Sn phases were formed by mechanical agitation during the casting solidification process. The non-lamellar Sn-Bi Microstructure improves prominently the elongation of Sn-Bi alloy. The elongation of semi-solid Sn-Bi alloy with suborbicular Sn phase is enhanced up to 37% compared with the elongation of lamellar eutectic Sn-Bi alloy prepared by conventional die casting. After the agigation above 130 °C, non-lamellar Sn-Bi eutectic structure is formed and lamellar Sn-Bi eutectic precipitates. When the agitating temperature was 135 °C, the elongation of semi-solid Sn-Bi alloy mixed with non-lamellar and lamellar Sn-Bi alloy microstructure is enhanced up to 24%.