Combined thermal, microstructural and microchemical analysis of solidification of Al25Si3Cu alloy

Abstract

Purpose: This paper present thermal and microstructural and microchemical analyses were conducted on the unmodified experimental alloy Al20Si3Cu (B390.1) solidified in the High Temperature Universal Metallurgical Simulator and Analyser (HT UMSA) under atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) and a relatively low solidification rate (-1.2 K/s just after end of solidification), for identification of the thermal events during solidification and the phases in the as-cast structure. Design/methodology/approach: The HT UMSA platform, using a low thermal mass stainless steel cup, enabled the acquisition of high resolution thermal analysis data. Design/methodology/approach: A new approach for de-convolution of the first derivative thermal curves allowed detailed thermal and microstructural phase histories to be documented for solidification of Al-Si alloys. Recently developed SEM/EDS methodology allowed to determine composition and distribution of individual phases that are smaller than the X–ray volume. Findings: Simultaneous consideration of thermal microstructural and microchemical information allowed detailed understanding of the series of events that take place during solidification of Al casting alloy with complex chemistry. In our hypereutectic alloy we document growth of Al(1) dendrites and formation of secondary Si(2) and Al(2) phases all at temperatures higher than the binary equilibrium Al-Si eutectic temperature of 850 K. Practical implications: Even at this slow solidification rate detailed understanding of the solidification microstructure requires consideration of non-equilibrium processes during solidification. Originality/value: We propose an original set of hypotheses that consistently explain the observed non-equilibrium solidification behaviour. Proof of these hypotheses is beyond the scope of this work.