Microstructure and Properties of Semisolid ZL101 Slurry Prepared by Different Nozzle Temperature of Micro Fused-Casting

Abstract

Semisolid ZL101 aluminum slurry was prepared by a micro fused-casting process. The nozzle temperature has great effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties, which are primarily influenced through changing cooling conditions of the fused-casting area. With the decline of nozzle temperatures, the microstructure of semisolid ZL101 aluminum slurry tends to be more homogeneous, delivering smaller grains. Temperatures of liquids and solids were measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Distribution and characteristics of microstructure were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and optical microscope (OM). It is found that uniform shape and good grain size are observed for semisolid samples fabricated by micro fused-casting under conditions including nozzle temperature of 592 °C, bucket temperature of 600 °C, stirring velocity of 600 r/min and channel diameter of 3 mm. Due to the smaller average grain size of 53 µm and shape factor of 0.71 for the fine grains, the ultrahigh average tensile strength and Vickers hardness can reach (181±1.25) MPa and (87.95±1.18) HV for the optimized semisolid ZL101 aluminum slurry, respectively.

Keywords

semisolid / ZL101 aluminum alloy / micro fused-casting / nozzle temperature

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