Effect of Mg on Solidification Microstructures of Homogenous and Functionally Graded A390 Aluminum Alloys

Abstract

Hypereutectic Al–Si alloys are used in components that require high resistance wear and corrosion, good mechanical properties, low thermal expansion and less density. The size and morphology of hard primary silicon particles present in Al–Si alloys greatly influences the mechanical properties. Addition of Mg leads to formation of intermetallic Mg2Si phases, which contributes towards the properties of high silicon alloy as well as alters the nature and quantity of primary silicon formed. The high silicon alloy subjected to centrifugal casting leads to the formation of functionally gradient material, which provides variation in spatial and continuous distribution of primary phases in a definite direction exhibiting selective properties and functions within a component. The present study is to evaluate the effect of Mg on solidification microstructures of homogenous and functionally graded A390 aluminium alloys. The addition of Mg from 3 to 5 % in A390 alloy using Al–20Mg master alloy has shown a transformation from primary silicon rich matrix to Mg2Si rich matrix. Centrifugal casting shows the gradient distribution of primary silicon and Mg2Si phases towards the inner periphery of the casting