Characterization of Casting Properties of Rare-Earth Modified A356

Abstract

Al-Si alloys are an attractive choice of light alloys due to their low density and high mechanical properties. The application areas include automotive and aerospace parts. With the increased requirements and demands on such applications, the researchers have focused on the enhancement of properties with the addition of novel alloying elements. In the last decade, modification of microstructure by rare-earth element additions has become popular. In this work, systematical tests were carried out by using fluidity test mold that has 8 arms with different thicknesses and tensile test mold that contains 10 bars to statistically analyze the mechanical properties. Different ratios ranging from 0.05 to 1 wt% of Er, Sc, Y, and V were added to Al-7Si alloys. The addition of 0.1 wt% Sc shows the highest fluidity whereas V additions have the lowest. Statistically, Sc addition revealed the highest reproducible results in terms of tensile properties where Y had the highest scatter. Er additions have the highest UTS and elongation at fracture.