Papers by Keyword: Eutectic Modification

Abstract: Effect of strontium (Sr) addition on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of semi-solid A356 aluminum alloy produced by GISS process were investigated in this study. Strontium addition resulted in both grain refinement and modification of eutectic Si. The maximum average ultimate tensile strength and elongation of 291.06 MPa and 17.31%, respectively, were obtained from the T6 heat-treated specimen containing 0.08wt%Sr. The excessive addition of strontium (0.2wt%Sr), however, seemed to deteriorate the mechanical properties of the alloy as a result of the Al₂Si₂Sr particle formation.

Abstract: In this present work, an assessment of eutectic modification based on thermal analysis was performed on modified A356 alloy. The effect of various cooling rates which were achieved by means of casting samples with various moduli in sand and metallic moulds was investigated. Cooling curves recorded from thermocouples inserted in the centre of the samples showed characteristic undercooling and recalescence associated with (Al)-Si eutectic modification. The results showed that cooling rate has a role in observed modification level. Furthermore, differential thermal analysis was included to determine the eutectic melting temperature.

Abstract: The potential for Mg and Mg-Ni alloys to be used as hydrogen storage alloys has been known for some time. Although the maximum storage capacity in these alloys is high (7.6wt%H2 for Mg and 3.4wt%H2 for Mg2Ni), they have, until recently, been disregarded for practical applications due to their slow kinetics and high reaction temperatures. This paper discusses the recent discovery that the non-faceted/faceted hypo-eutectic Mg-Mg2Ni system can, similar to Al-Si eutectic alloys, be modified by trace additions and that this results in improved hydrogen storage properties. The hydrogen storage properties depend on the composition, including trace levels of modifying elements, and processing conditions. In alloys of optimal composition it has been shown that the reversible storage of 6.5-7wt% H2 is possible at a rate of reaction that is far better than that previously documented. In addition, the alloy can be satisfactorily processed in air, as opposed to controlled atmospheric conditions. This paper discusses the mechanism of improved hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics when eutectic Mg-Ni hypo-eutectic alloys are modified. This discussion is based on atomic scale analysis using electron microscopy and examination with synchrotron radiation.