Preparation and Characterization of Al-1Ti-3B Master Alloys by Salt Route and Evaluation of their Grain Refining Performance on Al-7Si Alloys

Abstract

In the present work, ternary Al-1Ti-3B master alloys were prepared in an induction furnace via salt route which involves reaction between preheated halide salts (K2TiF6and KBF4) and liquid molten Al. During preparation process parameters such as reaction temperatures of 800, 900, 1000°C and reaction times 45, 60, 75 min. have been used to study the influence of these parameters on the morphology of particles present in the master alloy and inturn on the grain refining efficiency of Al-7Si alloy. The indigenously prepared master alloys were characterized by chemical analysis; particles size analysis, XRD and SEM/EDX microanalysis. Results of particle size analysis suggest that the sizes of the particles present in Al-1Ti-3B master alloys increases with increase in reaction temperature (800-1000°C) and reaction time (45-75 min.). However, the population of the particles having sizes less than 10µm decreases with increase in reaction time and temperature. Further, SEM/EDX studies revealed different morphologies of the particles present in the master alloy when processed at different reaction temperatures and reaction times. Further, the performances of the above-prepared master alloys were assessed for their grain refining efficiency on Al-7Si alloy by DAS analysis and by CACCA studies. Results of grain refinement studies and CACCA studies suggest that, Al-1Ti-3B master alloy prepared at reaction temperature of 800°C with a reaction time of 60min. shows better grain refining performance on Al-7Si alloy when compared to the same master alloy prepared under different processing conditions.