Effects of titanium and boron additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum castings

Abstract

In this study, the production of various master alloys (Grain refiners) and their effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum alloys such as Etial-7(1070), Etial-5(1050) and Etial-60 (6063) are investigated. A brief review of the grain refinement processes and the theory of the master alloys are presented together with the effects of inoculation on the solidifying structures. In the experimental work, AL-5Ti-1B master alloys, which are also called TIBOR, having block-like and flake-like structures are produced and added into various kinds of aluminum as grain refiners at different temperatures, holding times and impurity degrees. The mechanical properties are determined through tensile and hardness testing. The resulting microstructures are studied in detail to reveal, the effects of produced master, alloys on grain structure of aluminum castings. Finally; the obtairied grain size, ultimate tensile strengt yield strength data are correlated to the increasing casting temperature, holding time and the order of addition of the allowing elements.