Effects of Ce content on the modification of Mg_(2)Si phase in Mg-5Al-2Si alloy

The effect of Ce content(0–1.6 wt.%)on the modification of Mg_(2)Si phase in the as-cast Mg-5Al-2Si alloy was investigated.The original Chinese script type Mg_(2)Si phase was refined distinctly and transformed to dispersive block shape gradually by adding Ce element.The length of Chinese script type Mg_(2)Si phase was reduced from 110 to 50μm with increasing Ce content to 1.6 wt.%.The results calculated by Pandat software indicated that the added Ce element first combined with Si to form CeSi_(2)phase,which could serve as the heterogeneous nucleation of Mg_(2)Si phase due to the small lattice mismatch of 7.97%.The modification of Mg_(2)Si phase was mainly attributed to the facts that Ce changed the growth steps of Mg_(2)Si phase and CeSi_(2)promoted the nucleation of Mg_(2)Si phase.With increasing Ce content from 0 wt.%to 1.6 wt.%,the YS,UTS and EL at 150℃were improved from 67.7 MPa,91.2 MPa and 1.6%to 84.2 MPa,128 MPa and 7.5%,respectively.

Corrosion mechanism associated with Mg_2Si and Si particles in Al-Mg-Si alloys

The electrochemical behaviors and coupling behaviors of the Mg2Si and Si phases with α（Al） were investigated, the corrosion morphologies of Al alloys containing Mg2Si and Si particles were observed, and the corrosion mechanism associated with them in Al-Mg-Si alloys was advanced. The results show that Si particle is always cathodic to the alloy base, Mg2Si is anodic to the alloy base and corrosion occurs on its surface at the beginning. However, during its corrosion process, the preferential dissolution of Mg and the enrichment of Si make Mg2Si transform to cathode from anode, leading to the anodic dissolution and corrosion of the alloy base at its adjacent periphery at a later stage. As the mole ratio of Mg to Si in an Al-Mg-Si alloy is less than 1.73, it contains Mg2Si and Si particles simultaneously in the grain boundary area, and corrosion initiates on the Mg2Si surface and the precipitate-free zone （PFZ） at the adjacent periphery of Si particle. As corrosion time is extended, Si particle leads to severe anodic dissolution and corrosion of the PFZ at its adjacent periphery, expedites the polarity transformation between Mg2Si and the PFZ and accelerates the corrosion of PFZ at the adjacent periphery of Mg2Si particle.

Effects of neodymium addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of near-eutectic Al-12Si alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties of near-eutectic Al-12 Si alloys modified with 0-0.4% Nd（mass fraction） were investigated. The results indicate that a submicro- or nano-sized Al2 Nd phase is observed in the modified alloy with 0.3% Nd. The morphology of the α（Al） phase is significantly refined in the Nd-modified alloys. The primary Si morphology simultaneously changes into a fine, particle-like morphology, and the morphology of eutectic Si becomes fine-fibrous instead of coarse-acicular. Relatively few growth twins are observed on the surface of the Si plate in the Al-12Si-0.3Nd alloy at the optimal modification level. The mechanical property test results confirm that the mechanical properties of the as-cast Al-12 Si alloys are enhanced after the Nd addition, with optimal ultimate tensile strength（UTS） of 252 MPa and elongation（EL） of 13% at an Nd content of 0.3%. The improved mechanical properties are attributed to the refined morphology of Si phase and the formation of the Al2 Nd phase.

Mg对亚共晶Al-10Mg_(2)Si合金组织与力学性能的影响

研究了不同Mg含量对含10 mass%Mg_(2)Si的亚共晶Al-Mg-Si合金显微组织、拉伸性能和断裂行为的影响。结果表明:在合金中添加1.2~2.8 mass%的Mg能够减小初生α-Al枝晶的尺寸,适量的Mg明显地细化了合金中的Mg_(2)Si共晶相,并使其形貌由粗大的汉字状转变为短条状、颗粒状和纤维状。共晶Mg_(2)Si的细化归因于Mg原子团簇在其两侧的富集,抑制了共晶Mg_(2)Si的生长,促进了其生长方向的改变。适量的Mg的添加同时提高了合金的强度和塑性,添加2.8 mass%Mg的合金拉伸性能达到最高,抗拉强度、屈服强度和伸长率分别由未添加Mg的232.4 MPa、150.4 MPa和1.5%增加到322.0 MPa、270.4 MPa和6.1%,分别提高了38.6%、79.8%和306.7%。未添加Mg的合金的断裂机制为脆性断裂,添加2.8 mass%Mg的合金的断裂机制转变为韧性断裂。

Effects of Mg content on primary Mg_2Si phase in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys

Hypereutectic Al-Si alloy with variant Mg contents were fabricated by casting,and the effects of Mg content on the microstructure of primary Mg2Si particles in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys were investigated.The results show that the volume fraction of primary Mg2Si particles increases linearly with raising the Mg content,but the average size of Mg2Si particles does not exhibit a corresponding change.When the Mg content is 3%,á1 0 0？ directions have the fastest growth velocity,so that Mg2Si particles are likely to form octahedron shape.When gradually increasing the Mg content,the distributions of Mg and Si atoms on the solid-liquid interface become inhomogeneous,which results in the formation of irregular octahedron structures.Finally,when the Mg content is about 10%,the morphology of primary Mg2Si particles changes from the octahedron shape into various complex structures with a large size.

Effects of Si addition on microstructure, mechanical and thermal fatigue properties of Zn-38Al-2.5Cu alloys

The influence of Si addition on microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal fatigue behavior of Zn-38Al-2.5Cu alloys was investigated. The results show that constitutional supercooling of ZA38 alloys is formed because of the Si addition. Zn-38Al-2.5Cu-0.55Si alloy shows the dramatically refined microstructure and the best mechanical properties. When the Si addition exceeds 0.55%,αdendrites develop and Si phases become larger and aggregate along the dendrites boundaries, decreasing the mechanical properties. Oxides and pits formed by the plastic deformation are the main factors of cracks initiation. During the early stage of crack propagation, the cracks grow at a high speed well described by Paris law because of the porous and loose oxide, and mainly propagate along the dendrites boundaries. During the slow-growth stage, secondary cracks share the energy of crack growth, delaying the propagation of cracks, and the cracks propagate and fracture by the mixture of intergranular and transgranular modes.

Microstructure and corrosion behavior of as-homogenized and as-extruded Mg-xLi-3Al-2Zn-0.5Y alloys(x=4,8,12)

The microstructure and corrosion behavior of the as-homogenized and as-extruded Mg-xLi-3Al-2Zn-0.5Y alloys(x=4,8,12,wt.%)were studied.The results show that as the Li content increases from 4%to 12%,the matrix transfers from singleα-Mg phase,(α-Mg+β-Li)dual phase to singleβ-Li phase.A mixed corrosion feature of intergranular corrosion and pitting corrosion occurs in the Mg-4Li-3Al-2Zn-0.5Y and Mg-12Li-3Al-2Zn-0.5Y alloys.The former is related to the precipitated AlLi phase along the grain boundaries,and the latter is related to the high potential difference between the second phase and the matrix.The corrosion resistance of the as-extruded alloys is better than that of the as-homogenized alloys.The superior corrosion resistance of the as-extruded Mg-8Li-3Al-2Zn-0.5Y alloy with the lowest corrosion rate(P_(W)=(0.63±0.26)mm/a)is attributed to the more uniform distribution of second phases,the protectiveα-Mg phase via sacrificing theβ-Li phase and the relatively integrated oxide film.

Effects of Yttrium Ion on Formation Mechanism of ZrO_2-Y_2O_3 Ceramic Coatings Formed by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation on Al-12Si Alloy

ZrO2-Y2O3 ceramic coating was produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation （PEO） on ZAlSil2Cu3Ni2 alloy. The microstructure and phase composition of the coating were investigated by SEM and XRD.： The results show that adding an appropriate amount of yttrium ion can improve the growing rate of ceramic coating at different oxidation stages and decrease arc voltage. The thickness of ZrO2-Y2O3 coating is 16 μn thicker than that of ZrO2 coating and the maximum oxidation rate improves by 0.6 μm/min. In addition, the arc voltage decreases from 227 to 172 V. It can be seen that the rate of oxidation firstly increases to some extent and then decreases with the content of yttrium ion increasing. The growth rate reaches the maximum while the content of yttrium ion is 0.05 g-L-1The maximum thickness is 90 μm.Compared to ZrO2 coating, the micropores of ZrO2-Y2O3 coating are less and the ceramic layer is repeatedly deposited by ZrO2 and Y2O3 ceramic particles. Meanwhile, the binding force between coating and substrate is better and the coating is uniform and compact. The ceramic layer is mainly composed of c-Y0.15Zr0.85O1.93□0.07, m-ZrO2, α-Al2O3, ,γ-Al2O3 and Y2O3. It is indicated that ZrO2 has beert fully stabilized by yttrium ion through the formation of solid solution.

Modification and refinement effects of Sb and Sr on Mg_(17)Al_(12) and Mg_2Si phases in Mg-12Al-0.7Si alloy

The effects of Sb and Sr on the modification and refinement of Mg17Al12 and Mg2Si phases in Mg- 12Al-0.7Si alloy were investigated and compared. The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-12Al0.7Si alloy and its modification mechanism by Sb and Sr were investigated using a scanning electron microscope （SEM）, an energy dispersive spectrometer （EDS）, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and differential thermal analysis （DTA）. The results indicate that by adding 0.5wt.% Sb to the Mg-12Al-0.7Si alloy, the Mg17Al12 phase was refined and broken into some discontinuous island structures. However, some network Mg17Al12 phases still can be detected in Mg-12Al-0.7Si-0.09Sr alloy. Therefore, Sb performs better in modification and refinement of Mg17Al12 phase than does Sr. Small amounts of fine polygonal shaped Mg2Si phases were found in Mg-12AI-0.7Si-0.5Sb alloy, while the morphology of Mg2Si phases in Mg-12Al-0.7Si-0.09Sr alloy changed from the coarse Chinese script shapes to fine granule and irregular polygonal shapes, indicating that the effects of modification and refinement on Mg2Si phase are more significant by adding 0.09wt.% Sr than 0.5wt.% Sb. The ultimate tensile strengths of the Sb and Sr modified Mg-12Al-0.7Si alloys were considerably increased both at room temperature and at 200 ℃.

Microstructure and Thermal-protective Property of CPED Coating with ZrO2 Nanoparticles Addition on Al-12Si Alloy

A novel thermal-protective coating has been successfully prepared by CPED process on a cast Al-12%Si alloy with the addition of ZrO2 nano-particles in the electrolyte. The microstructures and phase composition of the coatings were analyzed by SEM and XRD, and the heat insulation performance and the thermal shock resistance of the coatings were investigated. With ZrO2 nanoparticles addition, the cathode plasma discharge on the coating surface is more obvious than that without ZrO2 nanoparticles addition, the coating is more uniform and compact, and the thickness of the coating increases. Furthermore, the content of Zr and Y elements increases and the degree of crystallization of the coating is more complete. The formation of the solid solution of yttrium stabilized zirconia is promoted by cathode plasma discharge. In addition, the thermal insulation temperature increases as ZrO2 nano-particles are added to the electrolyte. After 1 000 cycles of thermal shock, there was no cracking in the coating surface layer, which indicated that the CPED coating with ZrO2 nanoparticles addition possessed a good thermal shock resistance.

Effect of non-isothermal retrogression and re-ageing on through-thickness homogeneity of microstructure and properties of Al-8Zn-2Mg-2Cu alloy thick plate

In order to improve the through-thickness homogeneity and properties of aviation aluminum alloy thick plate.The effect of heating-cooling retrogression and re-ageing on the performance of Al-8Zn-2Mg-2Cu alloy thick plate was investigated by hardness tests, electrical conductivity tests and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) observation.Results revealed that, during retrogression heating, the fine pre-precipitates in surface layer dissolve more and the undissolved η′ or η phases are more coarsened than that of center layer. During slow cooling after retrogression,precipitates continue coarsening but with a lower rate and the secondary precipitation occurs in both layers. Finer precipitates resulting from the secondary precipitation are more in surface. However, the coarsening and secondary precipitation behaviors are restrained in both layers under quick cooling condition. The electrical conductivity and through-thickness homogeneity of precipitates increases while the hardness decreases with cooling rate decreasing. After the optimized non-isothermal retrogression and re-ageing(NRRA) including air-cooling retrogression, the throughthickness homogeneity which is evaluated by integrated retrogression effects has been improved to 94%. The tensile strength, fracture toughness and exfoliation corrosion grade of Al-8Zn-2Mg-2Cu alloy plate is 619 MPa, 24.7 MPa·m^(1/2)and EB, respectively, which indicates that the non-isothermal retrogression and re-aging(NRRA) could improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance with higher through-thickness homogeneity.

Effects of ZrO_2 Nanoparticles on the Microstructure and Thermal-protective Properties of PEO Coating on Al-12.5%Si Alloy

PEO ceramic coatings including ZrO_2-Al_2O_3-SiO_2 in three phases were prepared on an Al-12.5%Si alloy in electrolyte solutions containing ZrO_2 nanoparticles. The microstructures and phases of the coatings were analyzed by SEM and XRD, and the heat insulation performance and the thermal shock resistance of the coatings were investigated. The compactness of the coating increased significantly and the hindrance of the Si element on plasma electrolytic oxidation process was effectively weakened. The growth rate of the coating was improved substantially with the addition of ZrO_2 nanoparticles. The PEO ceramic coatings are primarily composed of SiO_2 and high temperature steady phases such as a-Al_2O_3 and c-ZrO_2. Both the content of c-ZrO_2 and the heat-insulating property of the coating increased significantly. The ceramic coatings with special microstructure and composition formed in the solutions containing ZrO_2 nanoparticles possess excellent heat insulation performance and thermal shock resistance.

Individual and synergistic effect of gamma alumina（γ-Al2O3） and strontium on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-20Si alloy

An optimized combination of gamma alumina (4 wt.%) and strontium (0.1 wt.%) was incorporated in cast Al-20Si alloy to obtain fine form of silicon. During casting process, the amount of γ-Al2O3 was varied from 0.5.6 wt.% to refine primary Si and Sr was varied from 0.05.0.1 wt.% to modify eutectic Si. The results showed that the average size of primary Si is 24 μm for addition of 4 wt.%γ-Al2O3 to the alloy whereas 0.1 wt.% Sr resulted in sphericity of eutectic Si to ~0.6 and average length of ~1.2 μm. The thermal analysis revealed that γ-Al2O3 can act as potential heterogeneous nucleation sites. Moreover, simultaneous addition of γ-Al2O3 and Sr does not poison γ-Al2O3 particles and inhibit their nucleation efficiency as in the case of combined addition of phosphorous and strontium to Al-20Si alloy. Therefore, it was concluded that enhanced tensile strength, i.e., ultimate tensile strength (increase by 20%) and elongation (increase by 23%) in Al-20Si.4γ-Al2O3.0.1wt.%Sr alloy as compared to as-cast Al.20Si alloy can be attributed to refinement of primary Si, modification of eutectic Si and the presence of α(Al) in the alloy as evident from eutectic shift.

Yield strength prediction of rolled Al-(1.44-12.40)Si-0.7Mg alloy sheets under T4 condition

The effects of Si content on the microstructure and yield strength of Al-(1.44-12.40)Si-0.7 Mg(wt.%)alloy sheets under the T4 condition were systematically studied via laser scanning confocal microscopy(LSCM),DSC,TEM and tensile tests.The results show that the recrystallization grain of the alloy sheets becomes more refined with an increase in Si content.When the Si content increases from 1.44 to 12.4 wt.%,the grain size of the alloy sheets decreases from approximately 47 to 10μm.Further,with an increase in Si content,the volume fraction of the GP zones in the matrix increases slightly.Based on the existing model,a yield strength model for alloy sheets was proposed.The predicted results are in good agreement with the actual experimental results and reveal the strengthening mechanisms of the Al-(1.44-12.40)Si-0.7 Mg alloy sheets under the T4 condition and how they are influenced by the Si content.

Finite element analysis of stress-strain localization and distribution in Al-4.5Cu-2Mg alloy

Finite element analysis has been carried out to understand the effect of various processing routes and condition on the microscale deformation behavior of Al–4.5 Cu–2 Mg alloy. The alloy has been developed through four different routes and condition, i.e. conventional gravity casting with and without refiner, rheocasting and SIMA process. The optical microstructures of the alloy have been used to develop representative volume elements（RVEs）. Two different boundary conditions have been employed to simulate the deformation behavior of the alloy under uniaxial loading. Finally, the simulated stress-strain behavior of the alloy is compared with the experimental result. It is found that the microstructural morphology has a significant impact on stress and strain distribution and load carrying capacity. The eutectic phase always carries a higher load than the α（Al） phase. The globular α（Al） grains with thinner and uniformly distributed eutectic network provide a better stress and strain distribution. Owing to this, SIMA processed alloy has better stress and strain distribution than other processes. Finally, the simulated yield strength of the alloy is verified by experiment and they have great agreement.

Characteristics of Faigue Crack Initiation in Ti-5Al-4Sn-2Zr-1Mo-0.7Nd-0.25Si Alloy

The characteristics of fatigue crack initiation in Ti-5AI-4Sn-2Zr1Mo-O.7Nd-O.25Si alloy wereStudied. Two modes Of fatigue crack initiation were found. The Nd-rich phase particles displaybetter resistance to fatigue crack initiation than the matrix at lower stress.

Effect of Ti on microstructure and properties of electromagnetic stirred Al-18wt.%Mg_(2)Si alloy

By adding different amounts of Ti into the electromagnetic stirred Al-18wt.%Mg_(2)Si alloy,the effect of Ti element on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy was studied.The experimental results show that the microstructure is refined after modification with Ti,which is related to the heterogeneous nucleation of TiAl_(3) particles on theα-Al matrix.With the increase of Ti content and holding time after stirring,the primary Mg_(2)Si phase is refined firstly and then coarsened,and correspondingly,the mechanical properties of the alloy show a trend of increasing at first and then decreasing.When the addition of Ti is 0.5wt.%and the holding time is about 20 min,the refinement effect of primary Mg_(2)Si phase is the most significant and the mechanical properties of the alloy are optimal.

Efects of Al-Mn-Ti-P-Cu master alloy on microstructure and properties of Al-25Si alloy

To obtain a higher microstructural refining efficiency, and improve the properties and processing ability of hypereutectic AI-25Si alloy, a new environmentally friendly AI-20.6Mn-12Ti-0.9P-6.1Cu （by wt.%） master alloy was fabricated; and its modification and strengthening mechanisms on the AI-25Si alloy were studied. The mechanical properties of the unmodified, modified and heat treated alloys were investigated. Results show that the optimal addition amount of the AI-20.6Mn-12Ti-0.9P-6.1Cu master alloy is 4wt.%. In this case, primary Si and eutectic Si as well as e-AI phase were clearly refined, and this refining effect shows an excellent long residual action as it can be heat-retained for at least 5 h. After being T6 heat treated, the morphology of primary and eutectic Si in the AI-25Si alloys with the addition of 4wt.% AI-20.6Mn-12Ti- 0.9P-6.1Cu alloy changes into particles and short rods. The average grain size of the primary and eutectic Si decreases from 250 IJm （unmodified） to 13.83 pm and 35 IJm （unmodified） to 7 tim; the e-Al becomes obviously finer and the distribution of Si phases tends to be uniform and dispersed. Meanwhile, the tensile properties are improved obviously; the tensile strengths at room temperature and 300 ℃ reach 241 MPa and 127 MPa, increased by 153.7% and 67.1%, respectively. In addition, the tensile fracture mechanism changes from brittle fracture for the alloy without modification to ductile fracture after modification. Modifying the morphology of Si phase and strengthening the matrix can effectively block the initiation and propagation of cracks, thus improving the strength of the hypereutectic AI-25Si alloy.

Effects of Cu addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Er-modified Al-10Mg_(2)Si cast alloys

The solidification microstructure and mechanical properties of hypoeutectic Al-10Mg_(2)Si cast alloys with different Cu contents and 0.45 wt.% Er were investigated using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and an electronic universal testing machine. Results showed that Cu and Er could significantly reduce the grain size of the eutectic Mg;Si phase from 15.4 μm for the base alloy to 5.8 μm for the alloy with 1.5 wt.% Cu and 0.45 wt.% Er.Meanwhile, the needle-like β-Al5Fe Si phase was modified to fine sized irregular shaped Cu, Er and Fe-rich particles with the additions of Cu and Er. The strength and ductility of the Al-10Mg_(2)Si as-cast alloys were simultaneously improved by the additions of Cu and Er, and the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation increase from 223 MPa,136 MPa and 2.1% to 337 MPa, 169 MPa and 4.7%, respectively. The heterogeneous nucleation of Mg_(2)Si on Al P was avoided by forming Cu, Er and P-containing phases, due to the additions of Cu and Er. Moreover, the Cu and Er atomic clusters and their intermetallic segregated on the surface of the eutectic Mg_(2)Si and inhibited the growth of the eutectic Mg_(2)Si, which were responsible for the modification of the eutectic Mg_(2)Si.

EFFECT OF HOMOGENIZATION PROCESSING ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF Ti-34Al-2Mn ALLOY

A γ-TiAl base alloy with the composition of Ti-34Al-2Mn（wt--%）was prepared by consum-able electrode arc-melting technique.The effect of homogenization processing following arc-melt-ing on its microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated.The emphases were placedon the microstructural evolution during solidification and homogenization,and the relationship be-tween microstructure and ductility.It has been determined that the samples annealed at 900℃for 20 h exhibit the best ductility compared with those treated at other temperatures up to 1100℃,and they have a mixed structure of equiaxed grain of γ-TiAl single phase and some prima-ry lamellar grains which include three types of interfaces,i.e.,α2/γ,/γ/γS,γ/γT,maintainingspecific orientaion relationships between both sides.The ductility improvement is believed to be as-sociated with existence of suitable amount of α2-Ti3Al phase and the refinement of grains ob-tained at 900℃.