Effect of Y_2O_3 on microstructure and mechanical properties of hypereutectic Al-20%Si alloy

The effect of Y2O3 on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the hypereutectic Al-20%Si(mass fraction) alloy was investigated. The results show that, with the addition of Y2O3 into the Al-P-Ti-TiC modifier, the average size of primary silicon in the Al-20%Si alloy modified by Al-P-Ti-TiC-Y2O3 modifier (approximately 15μm or less) is significantly reduced, and the morphology of eutectic silicon changes from coarse acicular and plate like to refined fibrous. The Brinell hardness (HB189) and tensile strength (301 MPa) of Al-20%Si alloy modified by the Al-P-Ti-TiC-Y2O3 increase by 11.6% and 10.7%, respectively, for the alloys after heat treatment.

Semi-solid processing of hypereutectic A390 alloys using novel rheoforming process

The feasibility of semi solid processing of hypereutectic A390 alloys using a novel rheoforming process was investigated. A combination of the swirl enthalpy equilibration device （SEED） process, isothermal holding using insulation and addition of solid alloy during swirling was introduced as a novel method to improve the processability of semi solid slurry. The effects of isothermal holding and the addition of solid alloy on the temperature gradient between the centre and the wall and on the formation of a（Al） particles were examined. In additional tests, phosphorus and strontium were added to the molten metal to refine the primary and eutectic silicon structure to facilitate semi solid processing. The results show that the combination of the SEED process with two additional processing steps can produce semi-solid A390 alloys that can be rheoprocessed. The microstructure reveals an adequate amount of non-dendritic a（Al） globules surrounded by liquid, which greatly improves the processability of semi-solid slurry.

Effects of deformation parameters on formation of pro-eutectoid cementite in hypereutectoid steels

Brittle pro-eutectoid cementite that forms along prior-austenite in hypereutectoid steels is deleterious to mechanical properties. The optimum process parameters which suppress the formation of pro-eutectoid cementite in hypereutectoid steels with carbon content in the range of 0.8%-1.3% in mass fraction, were investigated. Pro-eutectoid cementite formation is effectively hindered by increasing the deformation temperature and decreasing the amount of strain. Transformation at lower temperatures close to the nose of the cooling-transformation diagram also reduces the tendency of the formation of pro-eutectoid cementite. Control of prior-austenite grain size and grain boundary conditions is important. Due to larger number of nucleation sites, finer prior-austenite grain size results in the acceleration of transformation to pro-eutectoid cementite. However, large prior-austenite and straight boundaries lead to less nucleation sites of pro-eutectoid cementite. The cooling rate and carbon content should be reduced as much as possible. The transformation temperature below 660 °C and the strain of 0.5 at deformation temperature of 850 °C are suggested.