Using Deep Etching in the Study of Eutectic Silicon 3D-Morphology in AlSi7MgTi Cast Alloy

The effect of combination grain refinement with AlTi5B1 master (55 ppm) and Sr-modification with AlSr5 master (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 ppm) on the microstructure, tensile and hardness properties of AlSi7MgTi cast alloy were systematically investigated. Eutectic silicon was studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy after standard (0.5% HF) and deep etching (HCl). Morphology of eutectic Si changes from compact plate-like (as-cast state) to fibbers (after modification). Si-fibbers in samples with 50 and 60 ppm Sr coarsen probably as a result of over-modification. The optimum mechanical properties has the experimental material which was grain refined and modified with 40 ppm of Sr (UTS = 220.6 MPa; ductility = 6.1%, and 82.3 HBW 5/250/15)

Corrosion Behaviour Correlation of the Secondary Aluminium Casts in Natural Atmosphere and Laboratory Conditions

The secondary aluminium alloys are very important material in actual industry from economic and ecological point of view. The secondary aluminium used for production of casts, however, contains some elements, i.e. iron, – affecting physical, chemical and mechanical behaviour. The subject of our investigation has been corrosion behaviour in natural atmosphere of the hypoeutectic AlSi7Mg0.3 cast alloys with various content of iron, because the Fe content affects not only mechanical properties but corrosion resistance, as well. Three types of the AlSi7Mg0.3 cast alloys were exposed for 9 months in natural atmosphere and the measure of their degradation by corrosion was found by determination of the weight loss and the light microscopy. In addition, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses and evaluation of surface changes were used. The corrosion behaviour in natural atmosphere was compared to results of the carried out electrochemical and exposure laboratory experiments in chloride solutions