Abstract:
Semi-solid metal slurry was prepared by introducing grain process (IGP). The influence of the process parameters on microstructures of the semi-solid A356 Al-alloy slurries were investigated, and formation mechanism and morphology controlling of the spherical primary α(Al) grains was discussed. The results show when the alloy temperature is 630 ℃, the preparing slurry is 4 kg, the IG size is 10 mm, dosage is 3.5 % (mass fraction), and dumping temperatures(DTs) are at 611~617 °C, the mean diameters of the primary α(Al) grains in the semi-solid slurries can reach 40~75 μm and the shape factors can reach 0.82~0.89. When the IG size is 10 mm, the DT is at 613 ℃, and dosage is 2 %~4 %, the mean diameters can reach 45~82 μm and the shape factors can reach 0.78~0.88. With the alloy temperature and the DT decreasing or the dosage increasing properly, the primary α(Al) grain morphology is better. When
QR =
QA and Rh= Rc, as long as the DT is suitable, excellent semi-solid slurry can be produced. As a result of the IG melting, a large amount of dendritic fragments can become direct source of the primary α(Al) grains. Meanwhile, many under-cooled areas are formed, where abundant primary α(Al) grains are multiplied by heterogeneous nucleation.