Reduction in secondary dendrite arm spacing in cast eutectic Al-Si piston alloys by cerium addition

R. Ahmad; M. B. A. Asmael; N. R. Shahizan; S. Gandouz

doi:10.1007/s12613-017-1382-9

Volume 24 Issue 1

Jan. 2017

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Article Navigation > International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials > 2017 > 24(1): 91-101

R. Ahmad, M. B. A. Asmael, N. R. Shahizan, and S. Gandouz, Reduction in secondary dendrite arm spacing in cast eutectic Al-Si piston alloys by cerium addition, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 24(2017), No. 1, pp. 91-101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-017-1382-9

Cite this article as:

R. Ahmad, M. B. A. Asmael, N. R. Shahizan, and S. Gandouz, Reduction in secondary dendrite arm spacing in cast eutectic Al-Si piston alloys by cerium addition, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 24(2017), No. 1, pp. 91-101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-017-1382-9

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Research Article

Reduction in secondary dendrite arm spacing in cast eutectic Al-Si piston alloys by cerium addition

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Corresponding author:
R. Ahmad E-mail: roslee@uthm.edu.my
Received: 12 May 2016; Revised: 15 October 2016; Accepted: 17 October 2016

Abstract

Abstract

The effects of Ce on the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) and mechanical behavior of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys were investigated. The reduction of SDAS at different Ce concentrations was evaluated in a directional solidification experiment via computer-aided cooling curve thermal analysis (CA CCTA). -The results showed that 0.1wt%-1.0wt% Ce addition resulted in a rapid solidification time, △T_S, and low solidification temperature, △T_S, whereas 0.1wt% Ce resulted in a fast solidification time, △t^a-Al, of the α-Al phase. Furthermore, Ce addition refined the SDAS, which was reduced to approximately 36%. The mechanical properties of the alloys with and without Ce were investigated using tensile and hardness tests. The quality index (Q) and ultimate tensile strength of (UTS) Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys significantly improved with the addition of 0.1wt% Ce. Moreover, the base alloy hardness was improved with increasing Ce concentration.
- eutectic alloys;
- aluminum silicon alloys;
- cerium;
- microstructure;
- dendrites;
- spacing;
- mechanical properties

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