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Characterization of Hypereutectic and Hypoeutectic Zn-Al Alloys before and after Ti-B Microalloying

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Abstract:

Zinc-aluminum (Zn-Al) alloys are widely applied in engineering due to their strength, corrosion resistance, and castability. Among them, ZA-12 (hypereutectic) offers microstructural characteristics distinct from Zamak 5 (hypoeutectic), yet its response to microalloying has not been fully characterized. In this study, ZA-12 was produced by green sand casting and evaluated before and after titanium-boron (Ti-B) microalloying to examine changes in mechanical and microstructural behavior. Compression testing and hardness measurements were performed alongside grain size analysis to assess the influence of Ti-B additions. The results show that Ti-B treatment refines the microstructure of ZA-12 and produces measurable variations in hardness and compressive strength. When compared with previously characterized green sand-cast Zamak 5, ZA-12 displays noticeable differences in the extent of property changes under Ti-B addition, reflecting the influence of alloy composition and solidification type. This comparative assessment contributes to a better understanding of how hypereutectic and hypoeutectic Zn-Al alloys respond to Ti-B microalloying and supports ongoing efforts to tailor these alloys for engineering applications.

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Periodical:

Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1060)

Pages:

43-57

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-vLE3mY

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Online since:

July 2026

Authors:

Mazen I. Hussein*, Jacob Foster

Keywords:

Green Sand Casting, Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, Ti-B Microalloying, Zinc-Aluminum Alloys

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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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