Processing and characterisation of modified strain-induced melt activation processed Al–Si alloys

Abstract

In the present study, the microstructural features and its correlation with mechanical properties of modified strain-induced melt activation (modified SIMA) processed Al- (7, 12, 14 wt-%) Si alloys are investigated. The microstructure of modified SIMA process Al–Si alloys consists of globular α-Al grains, primary Si particles and Al–Si eutectic phase. The casting defects and surface roughness are minimised and the morphology of eutectic silicon is modified after modified SIMA treatment. The mechanical properties of modified SIMA processed samples are increased significantly as compare to as-cast alloy due to reduction of porosity, formation of fine globular microstructu+re and accumulation of high dislocation tangle near primary Si particles.

KEYWORDS:

• Al–Si alloys
• casting defects
• modified strain-induced melt activation process
• fibrous eutectic silicon
• microstructural features
• mechanical properties
• DSC analysis
• fractography

Acknowledgements

The authors of the research articles would like to thanks, Centre of Excellence (CoE) for funding, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Durgapur and CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), Jamshedpur for their consent to carry out and publish this research work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.