Strength properties examination of high zinc aluminium alloys inoculated with Ti addition

Abstract

This paper includes studies on the influence of grain refinement treatment with respect to the composition and structure of high zinc aluminium casting alloys on the changes of their tensile properties. The Al-20wt.%Zn alloy was inoculated with master alloys AlTi5B1 and AlTi3C0.15 to determine the impact of a variable titanium addition on the tensile properties of AlZn20 alloy, and determine on this basis an optimal addition of Ti that would ensure the improvement of elongation of alloys cast in the sand mould, at the same time maintaining high tensile strength. Within the studies, light microscopy (LM) and strength tests were applied. Experimental results showed that the inoculation of high zinc aluminium alloy AlZn20 with the master alloys AlTi5B1 and AlTi3C0.15 causes intensive structure refinement, while the intensity of reaction of both master alloys is comparable. The AlTi3C0.15 master alloy addition, selected for further studies, introducing about 100 ppm Ti, enhances the tensile properties of the alloy; the elongation increases about 20% and tensile strength increases about 10% against the initial values (uninoculated alloy). Further increase of the Ti addition up to 500–600 ppm leads to the “overinoculation” effect that is accompanied by the decrease of elongation. Therefore,the Ti addition should be reduced to the level of about 100 ppm which ensures obtaining a set of optimal properties.