Characteristics of Functionally Graded Bimetallic Aluminium Alloys by Sequential Casting Technique

Abstract:

Light weight aluminium alloys and low-density materials have drawn the attention of researchers as potential structural materials for transportation sector due to the requirement of effective reduction in fuel consumption, stringent emission norms and higher payload capacity. Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) provides variation in properties and better functional performance within a component. Sequential casting is fairly a new technique to produce functionally graded materials and components by controlled mould filling process. Bimetallics of aluminium alloys are prepared by sequential casting using A390-A319 alloy (cast-cast alloy) and A390-A6061 alloy (cast-wrought alloy) combination and solidified under gravity. The effect of temperature of the two melts and gap between pouring of the melts on microstructure and properties of the bimetals are investigated. The microstructures show good interface bonding between the two different alloy metals. The hardness testing shows higher hardness at hypereutectic alloy region. The process described in this study shows potential and effective approach to create good bonding between two different aluminium alloys to develop advanced functional and structural materials which can be used in various automobile components to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, by which better fuel efficiency and performance can be achieved.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volumes 830-831)
• Pages: 383-386
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.830-831.383
• Online since: September 2015
• Authors: Akhil S. Karun*, Hari Sanil, T.P.D. Rajan, Uma Thanu Subramonia Pillai, B.C. Pai
• Keywords: Aluminium, Bimetallic, Functionally Graded Material (FGM), Sequential Casting

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