Abstract
The effect of neodymium element on the elimination of crater structures on the surface of Al-17.5Si metallic materials processed by high-current pulsed electron beam was investigated in this study. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the grain sizes of Al-17.5Si metallic materials were reduced and craters were removed from surfaces of the processed Al-17.5Si metallic material after addition of Nd. This can be attributed to the efficient transfer of heat accumulated in rich-silicon (primary silicon) areas without the eruption of a primary silicon phase if the size of primary silicon grains are small. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that all diffraction peaks are broadened because of the presence of structural defects, grain refinement and stress state. Electron probe micro-analyzer analysis demonstrated that Al and Nd were evenly distributed on the surface of the treated alloy, which could be attributed to the diffusion of the element. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that nano-Al and nano-Si cellular textures were generated during the treated process. The formation of these structures can be attributed to rapid heating and cooling effects by the treatment. Finally, electrochemical tests revealed that the corrosion current density of Al-17.5Si metallic materials (with Nd, 0.3 wt.%.) surface decreased by three orders of magnitude compared with that of the processed Al-17.5Si metallic material surfaces (without Nd). This can be attributed to the elimination of craters and grain refining.
Highlights
Due to its higher specific strength, lighter weight, excellent weld-ability, and high heat resistance, Al-Si alloy has been widely used in manufacturing of parts with complex shapes, thin walls, and high corrosion-resistant parts
As a kind of rapid solidification method, electron beam treatment has become an effective method to improve the properties of Al-Si alloys because of its high efficiency of refining primary silicon phase, and has received an increasing amount of attention
Coatings 2020, 10, 922 which can be beneficial to the refinement of a primary silicon phase in Al-Si alloy, are induced by high-current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) treatment, resulting in a specific surface modification effect which is unattainable by traditional surface treatment methods
Summary
Due to its higher specific strength, lighter weight, excellent weld-ability, and high heat resistance, Al-Si alloy has been widely used in manufacturing of parts with complex shapes, thin walls, and high corrosion-resistant parts As a kind of rapid solidification method, electron beam treatment has become an effective method to improve the properties of Al-Si alloys because of its high efficiency of refining primary silicon phase, and has received an increasing amount of attention. Coatings 2020, 10, 922 which can be beneficial to the refinement of a primary silicon phase in Al-Si alloy, are induced by HCPEB treatment, resulting in a specific surface modification effect which is unattainable by traditional surface treatment methods. This effect may change the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of materials surfaces [11,12]. Electrochemical tests revealed the corrosion resistance of the top layer of the metallic material
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