Investigation on the Effect of Solidification Parameters on Microstructural Characteristics and Hardness of Al-Fe Alloy Produced by Directional Solidification in Bridgeman Furnace

The aim of the present study is to produce an in-situ Al matrix composite reinforced by iron-bearing intermetallics. Therefore, the effects of solidification parameters such as solidification rate (RL) and cooling rate (T ̇) on the microstructural characteristics of a hypoeutectic Al-1.0%wtFe alloy during directional solidification have been investigated. The directional solidification process has been carried out using a Bridgman furnace having a water-cooled system at the bottom of the cold zone. The flow rate of the water was 1, 2 L.min-1 and the withdrawal velocity of the ingot was 1, 5, and 10 mm.min-1. Optical and electron scanning microscopy (SEM) have been used to study the microstructure of the samples. Cellular microstructure with the iron-intermetallic phases at the peripheral walls of the cells were found along the directional solidified samples. In order to characterize the intermetallic phases, the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used. Cellular spacing (λc) was calculated in some sections from the bottom of chill zone. Variation of cellular spacing was plotted as a function of both solidification rate and distance from the bottom of chill zone. Hardness test was carried out on each cross-section and the hardness profile was plotted as a function of cellular spacing. The results showed that the hardness of Al-1.0%wt.Fe alloy was increased where the cellular spacing was reduced.