Enhancing the strength and structure of Al–Si alloys for biomedical applications through the addition of Sr and Zr grain refiners on secondary AlSi7Mg aluminum alloys

Abstract

The biomedical industry needs Aluminium alloys with superior corrosion resistance properties for limited applications. The use of Al–Si alloys is often seen as non-bio-compatible alloys due to their lower corrosion resistance properties. The present study aims to enhance the properties of such Al–Si alloys through modification of the Si phases with Strontium (Sr) and Zirconium (Zr) through grain size modification. The present study included the preparation of an Al–Si aluminium alloy utilizing a mixture of different scraps. To refine the grain structure, variable concentrations of Sr and Zr grain refiners were added to the alloy using a stir-casting process. The qualities, including porosity, density, tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness, were assessed according to ASTM standards. The grain size and distribution of intermetallic compounds were investigated by performing a microstructural examination using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, to determine the impact of Sr and Zr. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of Sr and Zr grain refiners effectively enhances the grain structure, leading to enhanced microstructural and mechanical properties of the secondary aluminium alloys. This study contributes valuable insights into optimizing the grain refining process for secondary aluminum alloys, offering potential advancements in their industrial applications, particularly in the biomedical industry, where the demand for high-performance biocompatible aluminum materials is steadily increasing.

Keywords

• Grain refiners
• Secondary Al–Si alloys
• Strontium (Sr)
• Zirconium (Zr)
• Mechanical properties