Poisoning-free effect of calcium on grain refinement of Mg-3%Al alloy containing trace Fe by carbon inoculation

Mg-3%Al alloy was modified by combining Ca addition with carbon inoculation. The effects of Fe addition and addition sequence on the grain refinement were investigated. A higher grain refining efficiency could be obtained for the Mg-Al alloy modified by combining Ca addition with carbon inoculation. Fe addition and addition sequence had no obvious effect on the grain refinement. Ca addition could effectively avoid grain-coarsening resulting from Fe in the carbon-inoculated Mg-Al alloy. The Al-C-O particles, actually being Al4C3, should act as potent substrates for a-Mg grains in the sample treated by combining Ca addition with carbon inoculation. However, the duplex-phase particles of AI4C3 coated on Al-Fe or Al-C-Fe should be the potent substrates for a-Mg grains if Fe existed in the Mg-Al melt. Ca addition can contribute to the formation of the particles of Al4C3 coated on Al-Fe or Al-C-Fe, regardless of the Fe addition sequence. The poisoning effect of Fe was effectively inhibited in the carbon-inoculated of Mg-Al alloy due to Ca addition, namely, Ca has a poisoning-free effect.

A novel Al-10Si-2Fe master alloy and its ef ect on inoculation of eutectic cells in Sr-modii ed A356 alloy

To investigate the possibility of inoculating eutectic cells, a novel AI-10Si-2Fe master alloy was synthesized and tested in Sr-modified A356 alloy. The new master alloy that consists of reAl, Si andβ-AIsFeSi phases was prepared by a casting process, and the silicon phase was found to grow epitaxially from theβ-AIsFeSi particles. The inoculation efficiency of the new master alloy on Sr-modified A356 alloy has been investigated by quenching experiment and thermal analysis. With the addition of the new master alloy, the area density of eutectic cells is effectively increased by 100% and the eutectic growth temperature is increased by 1.5 ℃. Therefore, the new master alloy is deduced to introduce nucleating substrates for eutectic cells and to refine the eutectic cells in Sr-modifled A356 alloy. There is no poisonous interaction between the AI-10Si-2Fe master alloy and the Sr in this study. Consequently, the mechanical properties have been improved by the addition of the new master alloy.

Grain refinement of Mg-Al alloys inoculated by MgAl_(2)O_(4)powder

As a potent nucleating substrate forα-Mg grain,MgAl_(2)O_(4) powder was used to inoculate the Mg-Al melt in this study.The effects of MgAl_(2)O_(4)amount,holding time and Al content on the grain size and grain refining ratio of the inoculated Mg-Al alloys are systematically investigated.The results show that the minimum grain size of Mg-3Al alloy is achieved by adding 2wt.%MgAl_(2)O_(4)powder and this alloy exhibits higher grain refining ratio than Mg-5Al and Mg-8Al alloys.The crystallographic misfit calculation indicates the wellmatching and possible orientation relationships(ORs)betweenα-Mg and MgAl_(2)O_(4).Among these predicted ORs,[10–10]α−Mg//[110]MgAl2O4 in(0002)α−Mg//(1–13)MgAl2O4 possesses the smallest misfit,i.e.,2.34%(fr).Both results of the experiment and crystallographic calculation demonstrate that the grain refinement of Mg-Al alloys is attributed to the MgAl_(2)O_(4)particles acting as the heterogeneous nucleation substrates forα-Mg grains.

Synergistic refining mechanism of Mg-3%Al alloy refining by carbon inoculation combining with Ca addition

Mg-3%Al alloy was refined by carbon inoculation combining with 0.2%Ca addition.High grain refining efficiency was obtained and the synergistic refining mechanism was deeply discussed in the present study.Al-C-O particles,actually Al4C3 particles,were formed in the carbon-inoculated Mg-3%A1 alloy acting as nuclei forα-Mg grains.Ca addition had no obvious effect on size distribution of the nucleating particles.Ca segregation was proved on Al4C3 particles,which should reduce the interfacial energy of nuclei/Mg.The constitutional undercooling in front of nucleus/liquid was increased from 0.12℃to 0.15℃induced by 0.2%Ca addition.The synergistic grain refining efficiency can be attributed to the higher constitutional undercooling and lower the interface energy of nucleus/Mg induced by Ca addition.More nucleating particles with small size could be activated acting as potent nuclei ofα-Mg grains.Consequently,Mg-3%Al alloy could be effectively refined due to the synergistic effect induced by carbon inoculation combining with Ca.

Grain refinement of Mg-Al magnesium alloys by carbon inoculation

C2Cl6 was used as grain refiner for AM60 magnesium alloys. The effects of grain refinement process on chemical composition, microstructure, impact energy, hardness and mechanical properties of magnesium alloys were investigated with XRF spectrometer, optical and electronic microscopes, pendulum impact tester, hardness tester and MTS material testing machine. The results show that C2Cl6 has good effects on microstructure and mechanical properties of AM60 magnesium alloys. The optimum usage of C2Cl6 in AM60 for getting the best properties is 1.0%. The results of electronic microscopic examination and theoretical analyses show that Al4C3 should be the potent heterogeneous nucleant for Mg-Al magnesium alloys.

Al−10Nb−3Ce−2.5B孕育剂对Zn−Al共析合金显微组织、阻尼和拉伸力学性能的影响

制备一种新型Al−10Nb−3Ce−2.5B孕育剂,并系统研究其对锌铝共析(ZA22)合金显微组织、阻尼和拉伸力学性能的影响。结果表明,该孕育剂对ZA22合金中的α相具有显著的细化作用(α相最低可被细化至约16μm),并可使得α相的形貌从粗大枝晶状转变为细小花瓣状。通过边−边匹配晶体学模型(E2EM)建立孕育剂中CeB_(6)和NbB_(2)颗粒与α相之间的位向关系(ORs),并基于该E2EM模型揭示孕育剂对ZA22合金的细化机理。与未细化ZA22合金相比,孕育细化ZA22合金的高温阻尼性能,特别是逆共析转变阻尼峰得到显著提升。此外,孕育细化ZA22合金的室温拉伸力学性能也得到了显著提高,具有最佳细化效果的ZA22合金的抗拉强度和伸长率分别比未细化ZA22合金的高18.56%和119.04%。对相关机理进行了讨论。

Influence of Mg_3N_2 powder on microstructures and mechanical properties of AZ31 Mg alloy

In order to obtain an effective and reliable grain refiner for Mg-Al alloys, 1% （mass fraction） Mg3N2 was added into AZ31 Mg alloy. The microstructures of the Mg alloys were studied by optical microscopy, scan electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties were determined. The results show that adding a small amount of Mg3N2 to AZ31 Mg alloy can refine the grain size from 103 to 58 μm. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation of AZ31 Mg alloy are 174.1MPa and 8.3%, respectively. After the addition of 1% Mg3N2, the ultimate tensile strength and elongation of AZ31 Mg alloy are increased up to 198.7 MPa and 11.8%, respectively. The grain refinement mechanism is that AIN is formed after Mg3N2 is added. Both AIN and Mg phases are of HCP lattice structure, and the disregistry between Mg phases and AIN along （0001）Mg//（0001）AIN is 3.04%, which is very effective for heterogeneous nucleation.

Assessment of solidification characteristics of carbon-inoculated Mg-3%Al melt by thermal analysis

The Mg-3%Al melt was inoculated by carbon with different holding time.The effect of holding time on grain refining efficiency was evaluated.The solidification characteristics of the carbon-inoculated Mg-3%Al melt with different holding time were assessed by computer-aided cooling curve analysis.The results showed that Mg-3%Al alloy could be effectively refined by carbon inoculation.Slight fading phenomenon occurred with increasing the holding time to 60 min.Carbon inoculation could significantly influence the shape of cooling curves of Mg-3%Al melt.The nucleation starting and minimum temperatures increased.The recalescence undercooling and duration decreased to almost zero after carbon inoculation.The grain refining efficiency of carbon inoculation could be assessed by the shape of the cooling curve and solidification characteristic parameters including nucleation starting and minimum temperatures,recalescence undercooling and duration.

Effect of Cu-Ni and Cu-Ni-Mn on the Microstructural and Mechanical Behaviour of As-Cast Non-Inoculated Hypereutectic Grey Iron

The hypereutectic region of grey cast iron has received very little attention especially for designing cast products by researchers. Due to its high carbon equivalence, hypereutectic grey iron poses some challenges especially its tendency for grey to white transition (GWT) at this level of carbon content. However, hypereutectic grey iron possesses inherent properties that could be easily utilized for improved performance in automobile engines and brake pad system. Significantly, they could be modified for superior hardness, strength and toughness. This study presents the effect of microalloying on the mechanical behaviour of hypereutectic grey cast iron with carbon equivalence above 4.5. The first part of this work presented in this paper considers the addition of Cu-Ni and Cu-Ni-Mn to series of as-cast hypereutectic grey cast iron and their hardness and tensile strength were studied and compared. A total of 33 cast samples were obtained with the control sample. The examination of the micrographs revealed that graphite eutectics cells of Type A and A + D were obtained in the resulting microstructure. Results analyses showed that the ferrite forming tendency of silicon was suppressed due to the high carbon content of the as-cast hypereutectic grey iron coupled with the absence of inoculation which plays a great role in the graphite flake type, network, size and distribution. Cu-Ni microalloying was also confirmed to promote hardness with the hardening effect limit of nickel observed at 1.3% composition. For Cu-Mi-Mn addition, excess and free sulphur in the hyper- eutectic grey iron results in reverse effect of manganese on strength, hardness, reduced graphite flake size and shape.

高强韧珠光体球墨铸铁的研究

在球墨铸铁成分优化基础上,用万能材料试验机、布氏硬度计和金相分析显微镜研究了球墨铸铁经多元合金化、型内孕育处理和等温正火后的组织和和性能。结果表明:经Cu、Mo、Sb多元合金化和型内孕育处理的球墨铸铁,其铸态和等温正火处理后的组织明显改善,共晶团数目增加,基体组织细化,石墨球形态圆整、细小,珠光体数量增多,比例均大于90%,力学性能显著提高。与未合金化的球墨铸铁比,Cu,Mo,Sb多元合金化的球墨铸铁,其铸态和等温正火处理后的屈服强度R_(0.2)、抗拉强度R_(m)和硬度HB分别提高了25%、20%,47%、17%,41%、11%,达到502、620 MPa,811、975 MPa,256HB、298HB,伸长率A均大于6%。

自孕育剂参数对自孕育铸造法制备AM60镁合金半固态浆料的影响(Ⅱ)

采用加入与母合金液具有相同成分的自孕育剂方法,研究孕育剂参数(孕育剂加入方式、孕育剂尺寸、孕育剂加入量和孕育剂组织)对AM60镁合金组织细化的影响。结果表明:加入自孕育剂后,熔体经导流器浇注到铸型中,可以明显细化AM60镁合金的组织。当孕育剂加入量为11%(质量分数)时,效果最好,平均晶粒尺寸仅为43.4μm,且分布均匀。孕育剂的原始组织对合金凝固组织有明显的影响,孕育剂本身的组织越细小,合金凝固组织越细小。孕育剂的加入使合金液中形成大的能量起伏和成分起伏,在合金凝固过程中起到吸热、形核、促进凝固和阻止二次相连续长大的作用,有助于形成细晶组织。

Na、Sb对亚共晶Al-Si合金变质效果的影响

通过在亚共晶Al Si合金中分别加入Na、Sb变质剂,保温1～5h,重熔1～3次,对其显微组织及力学性能进行了比较研究。结果表明,随保温静置时间的延长,两种变质的共晶硅长度都增大,拉伸强度和延伸率都下降,但是Na变质远大于Sb变质的共晶硅长度,Sb变质的拉伸强度和延伸率均大于Na变质;随重熔次数增多,Na变质的共晶硅长度、力学性能基本不变,而Sb变质的共晶硅长度增大,力学性能下降,但是共晶硅长度远小于Na变质,力学性能均大于Na变质,说明Sb变质衰退缓慢,有良好的重熔性。

浇注温度对自孕育铸造法制备AM60镁合金半固态浆料的影响(Ⅰ)

采用新型的自孕育法制备AM60镁合金半固态浆料,研究浇注温度对自孕育法制备AM60镁合金半固态浆料的影响。结果表明:随着浇注温度的降低,组织中发达和粗大的树枝晶逐渐减少;在接近液相线温度时出现小块状或蔷薇状晶粒,晶粒的尺寸逐渐减小;分布逐渐趋向正态分布,且存在一个合适的温度加工区间,即630～680℃,对应的晶粒尺寸为58.4～63.1μm。加入的孕育剂在熔体中起到内冷铁作用,加快熔体的冷却速率,使熔体快速到达半固态区间。采用自孕育法制浆时,合金熔体中晶核主要来源于熔体中的高熔点质点(Al8Mn5)、孕育形核和晶粒游离与增殖。

镁及其合金铸造组织的细化

镁合金的晶粒尺寸和沉淀物的形貌及大小影响其性能和使用范围。根据合金的种类加入不同的孕育剂或少量的合金元素可显著细化镁合金的铸造组织。总结了常用铸造镁合金组织细化所采用的方法及可能的细化机理。

孕育剂Ti,Zr对2219 Al-Cu合金焊缝组织及性能的影响

研究了焊丝中添加孕育剂Ti,Zr对2219 Al-Cu合金MIG焊缝组织和性能的影响.实验结果表明,当焊丝中Ti, Zr添加量分别为0.26％和0.33％时,整个焊缝形成了全部等轴晶组织,并且沿晶界分布的共晶相的数量减少,显著提高了焊缝 金属的抗拉强度和延伸率.在焊缝金属中, Ti,Zr以金属间铝化物质点的形式提供非均质形核的核心,促进了均匀、细小的等轴 晶粒的形成.

原位TiC_P/Fe复合材料组织中的有害相及其防止措施

研究了原位 (in situ) Ti CP/Fe复合材料组织中有害相 Fe3C和 Fe2 Ti的形成过程及其防止措施。结果表明 :Fe3C和 Fe2 Ti均在 Fe- Ti- C熔体等温反应后的凝固过程中形成 ,且与奥氏体中固溶的 Ti量有关 ;对熔体进行微量Cu、Ni合金化及孕育处理可促进熔体中 Ti C颗粒的形成 ,并有效地防止组织中有害相的产生 ,从而使复合材料的性能得以进一步提高。

超声孕育处理对AS41镁合金凝固组织的影响

采用连续功率超声对AS41镁合金熔体进行孕育处理,研究超声处理功率(强度)、处理时间和处理温度等工艺条件对其凝固组织的影响规律。通过对凝固金相和低倍组织观察以及XRD和Mg2Si相的点阵常数计算,结果表明:连续功率超声孕育处理可以显著细化AS41镁合金的凝固组织,晶粒尺寸仅为无超声处理时的30%～50%;适当提高超声强度和处理温度以及适当延长处理时间均可增强细化效果。优化的处理条件如下:超声强度为30～40W/cm2,处理时间为50～80s,处理温度为650～700℃。此外,超声处理也使Mg2Si相细化和球化,Mg2Si相的点阵常数也发生明显变化。

自孕育半固态制浆技术的研究

分析了国内外制浆技术的现状及组织形成的理论,提出了一种新的半固态制浆技术——自孕育法,即采用与合金同成分的本体孕育并经过导流器进一步孕育的方法,并对AM60合金进行了浆料制备试验。通过控制合金熔体温度与局部过冷使之具有大量的晶核,再利用流动冲刷,获得具有非枝晶初生固相的固-液混合浆料。试验结果表明,经过自孕育处理,当温度为650℃、孕育剂加入量为熔体质量的11%时,制备的半固态浆料具有均匀、细小、非枝晶状的微观组织,晶粒平均尺寸仅为51μm。

孕育剂Ti和Zr元素对2219铝铜合金焊缝组织和性能的影响

采用5种焊丝对2219铝铜合金进行MIG焊,研究了孕育剂Ti和Zr元素对焊缝组织和性能的影响.结果表明,Ti和Zr元素的细化作用是相容的,当焊丝中单独添加孕育剂Ti或Zr元素时,焊缝几乎由粗大的柱状晶组成.焊丝中复合添加少量的孕育剂Ti和Zr元素时,Ti和Zr元素在熔池中分别形成Al3Ti和Al3Zr,促进了α(Al)非均质形核.随着焊丝中Ti和Zr元素含量的增加,焊缝组织逐步细化.当焊丝中Ti和Zr元素含量较高时,Ti和Zr元素还在熔池中形成大量的Al3(Ti,Zr)质点,促进α(Al)非均质形核,焊缝组织由细小均匀的等轴晶组成,显著提高了接头强度和塑性.

导流器对自孕育铸造法制备AM60镁合金半固态浆料的影响(Ⅲ)

采用自孕育铸造法制备AM60镁合金半固态坯料,研究导流器参数对半固态组织的影响规律及组织形成机理。结果表明:导流器能有效促进合金组织由树枝晶向等轴晶及颗粒状晶的转变;熔体处理温度和孕育剂加入量一定时,导流器的相关参数,如角度、长度、温度、混合段的凹槽宽度,均影响合金的传热及流动,进而影响其凝固组织;在导流器角度为30°～45°、长度为500 mm、混合段凹槽宽度为50 mm、且通水冷却时可以获得细小颗粒状或蔷薇状的半固态坯料,初生α-Mg的平均晶粒尺寸为37.5μm;减小导流器出口宽度有利于增强液体紊流,促进晶粒均匀分布;导流器促进了熔体非均质形核及激冷晶的形成,增强了晶粒增殖;熔体对流使合金的温度场和浓度场更均匀,晶粒生长以颗粒状生长、蔷薇晶根部颈缩熔断和磨圆熟化机制为主。