The Assessment of Modification of High-Zinc Aluminium Alloy

Abstract

The results of examinations of the influence of titanium-boron inoculant on the solidification, the microstructure, and the mechanical properties of AlZn20 alloy are presented. The examinations were carried out for specimens cast both of the non-modified and the inoculated alloy. There were assessed changes in the alloy overcooling during the first stage of solidification due to the nuclei-forming influence of the inoculant. The results of quantitative metallographic measurements concerning the refinement of the grain structure of casting produced in sand moulds are presented. The cooling rate sensitivity of the alloy was proved by revealing changes in morphology of the α-phase primary crystals. Differences in mechanical properties resulting from the applied casting method and optional inoculation were evaluated.

Keywords

• Aluminium alloys
• Inoculation
• Solidification
• Mechanical properties