Improving the Mechanical Properties of Mn-rich Al-4Ni-4Mn Alloy by Increasing the Solidification Rate and Friction Stir Processing

Hypoeutectic Al-Ni alloys are extensively used in automotive and aerospace industries due to their excellent castability and appropriate high-temperature specific strength. The addition of Mn to the composition of these alloys promotes the formation of Mn-rich precipitates and improves their strength and hardness, especially at high temperatures. However, if the Mn content exceeds 2 wt. %, increasing the size and volume fraction of Mn-rich compounds adversely affects the mechanical properties, especially the ductility and toughness of the alloys. On this basis, the current study was aimed to control the negative impact of high Mn content on tensile properties of hypoeutectic Al-Ni alloys by increasing the solidification rate and friction stir processing. For this purpose, the Al-4Ni-4Mn samples, prepared under different solidification rates of 3.5 and 10.4 °C/s, were subjected to friction stir processing (12 mm/min, 1600 rpm). Microstructural characterization and image analysis results show the substantial refinement of Mn-rich particles and their distribution in the matrix, refinement of grains, and elimination of casting defects such as gas/shrinkage porosities and entrained oxide bifilms. According to the results, increasing the solidification rate and applying of friction stir processing improved the tensile strength, yield strength, fracture strain, toughness, and microhardness of alloy by 63, 55, 123, 188 and 58%, respectively.