Gradient microstructure and multiple mechanical properties of AlSi9Cu alloy ribbon produced by melt spinning

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2014-11, Vol.612, p.20-25
• Main Authors: Dong, Xixi, He, Liangju, Li, Peijie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Al–Si alloy; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Deformation and plasticity (including yield, ductility, and superplasticity); Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical and acoustical properties of condensed matter; Mechanical properties of solids; Melt spinning; Microstructure; Physics; Tensile properties
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2014.05.194

•Gradient microstructure evolution along cross-section of AlSi9Cu ribbon was studied.•Si particles ranged from 12 to 290nm distributed both in α-Al matrix and boundary.•Tensile property of AlSi9Cu ribbon was investigated with a UTS as high as 383MPa.•Supersaturated solid-solubility of Si in Al matrix was found to be 3.0–3.6at.%.•Solidification time and cooling rate were estimated to be 9×10−5s and 5.72×106Ks−1. The microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi9Cu alloy ribbons produced by melt spinning were investigated by field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEGSEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile and microhardness tests. The solidification time and cooling rate of the 54μm thick ribbon were estimated to be 9×10−5s and 5.72×106Ks−1 respectively. XRD results revealed supersaturated solid-solubility of Si in Al matrix to be 3.03 and 3.57at.% for the wheel side and free surface of the ribbon separately. Microstructure evolution of three gradient regions along the cross-section of the ribbon was studied by SEM in detail, and fine spherical Si particles ranged from 12 to 290nm were found to be distributed both in the Al matrix and the α-Al boundary. The ultimate tensile strength of the ribbon was as high as 383MPa and 1.8times higher than that of the conventional cast ingot, and the breaking elongation of the ribbon was about 1.5% with cleavage fracture feature, while the microhardness of the ribbon was 2.5times higher than that of the ingot.