Study of microstructure and mechanical properties of A713 aluminium alloy having an addition of grain refiners Al-3.5 Ti-1.5C and Al-3Cobalt

Abstract

Abstract Aluminium die casting manufacturing is a prominent for mass production with economical, which is also a challenging with many casting defects which are influenced by many process parameters. The mechanical and microstructural properties of the die cast parts contributes significantly in determining the final quality of the die cast alloy. In the present research work, tensile and hardness test are carried out to study the influences on the mechanical properties of an A713 alloy without and with Al-3.5 Ti-1.5C and Al-3Cobalt as grain refiners. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and micro hardness were observed which has shown an increase in the case of A713 alloy where grain refiners such as Al-3.5Ti-1.5C and Al-3Cobalt were added as compared to that of without grain refinement. In addition of 0.1 wt% of Al-3.5Ti-1.5C to A713 alloy there was a transition from coarser grains to finer grain structure with an average grain size of 16.6 µm. The finest grain structure was obtained with an addition of 1.0 wt% Al-3.5Ti-1.5C having an average grain size of 15.0 µm. From the SEM it was established that due to the absence of Al-3.5Ti-1.5C the image shows coarser columnar α-Al dentritic like arrangements with non-modified platelets. The addition of 0.1 wt% Al-3.5Ti-1.5C and 1.0 wt% Al-3.5Ti-1.5C with the A713 alloy the grain structure of the alloy shows transition from coarse to fine equiaxed grains.