Crystallization and Structure of AlSi10Mg0.5Mn0.5 Alloy with Dispersion Strengthening with Al–Fe_xAl_y–SiC Phases

Abstract

The paper characterizes a composite with dispersion phases cast via the use of stir casting method on an aluminum matrix. A mixture of aluminum with FexAly and SiC powders was achieved in the process of mechanical alloying and self-propagating high temperature synthesis (ASHS). Chemical composition of agglomerates was chosen in such a way that the strengthening components made up 25% of the mass of the AlSi10Mg0.5Mn0.6 (EN AC-43400) alloy matrix. The characteristic temperatures of crystallization of the tested alloy were measured by thermal analysis ATD (analysis thermal derivative). A change of chemical and phase composition was confirmed in the elements of the intermetallic phase FeAl in the aluminum matrix. A silumin casting structure was achieved, with the matrix including micro-areas of ceramic phases and intermetallic phases, which are characteristic for hybrid strengthening. A refinement of dendrites in solid solution α was found, together with a transition from a binary plate eutectic composition α(Al) + β(Si) into modified eutectic composition.

Keywords

• Al-Si cast alloys
• ATD thermal analysis
• crystallization