Phases and Structure Characteristics of the Near Eutectic Al-Sl-Cu Alloy Using Derivative Thermo Analysis

Abstract

For determining of the micro-structural changes taking place in a near eutectic Al-Si-Cu aluminium cast alloy during heating and cooling process the UMSA device (Universal Metallurgical Simulator and Analyzer) was used. In this work the dependence between the regulated cooling speed and structure on the basis of the thermo-analysis was carried out. The thermal analysis was performed at a cooling rate in a range of 0,2 °C to 1,25 °C. The changes were examined and evaluated qualitatively by optical and electron scanning microscopy methods and the EDS microanalysis. During the investigation the formation of aluminium reach (α-Al) dendrites was revealed and also the occurrence of the α+β eutectic, the ternary eutectic α+Al2Cu+β, as well a iron and manganese containing phase was confirmed. The performed investigation are discussed for the reason of an possible improvement of thermal and structural properties of the alloy. The achieved results can be used for liquid metal processing in science and industry – for example foundry for developing and obtaining of a required alloy microstructure and properties influenced by a proper production conditions.