Heat-transfer corrosion behaviour of cast Al alloy

Heat-transfer corrosion behaviour of an ISO 2379 cast Al alloy was studied in antifreeze radiator coolant under heat-rejecting condition. Extensive analyses of microstructures and corroded surfaces were carried out under the optical microscope, scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer. Heat-rejecting condition led to a cavitation process and cavities were observed within the α-Al matrix. Crevice corrosion was predominant at oxygen depleted regions in heat-transfer corrosion cell. Al₂Cu, Al₁₅(Fe,Mn)₃Si₂ dendrites, Al₄Cu₂Mg₈Si₇ and Si phases served as the effective cathodes resulting microgalvanic corrosion at the anodic site of α-Al matrix.     

Evaluation of corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys in radiator coolants

Abstract

Coolant corrosion is a major drawback for the use of magnesium alloys in engine and cooling system, but the coolant is not normally intended to prevent corrosion of magnesium alloys. This research assessed the corrosion performance of two magnesium alloys, AZ91D and AM50A, in two newly formulated radiator coolants using immersion test, potentiodynamic polarisation test, and corroded surface analysis. Two coolants were named as Irgacool Plus L and Irgacool Plus S. C7, C8-organic acids and polycarboxylic acid were the main inhibitor species in Irgacool Plus L while Irgacool Plus S was formulated with C7, C8-organic acids and sebacic acid inhibitors. Corrosion rates of magnesium alloys decreased twice in Irgacool Plus L compared with Irgacool Plus S. AZ91D alloy had better corrosion resistance than AM50A alloy in both radiator coolants. Both alloys suffered corrosion due to microgalvanic coupling between cathodic β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ intermetallic and anodic α-Mg matrix, and the presence of Al₈Mn₅ and Al₁₁Mn₄ intermetallics in AM50A led to further microgalvanic corrosion. A continuous network of β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase and higher Al content α-Mg matrix accounted for better corrosion resistance of AZ91D alloy.     

Phase evolution in AlSi20/8009 aluminum alloy during high temperature heating near melting point and cooling processes

The AlSi20/8009 aluminum alloy was heated to high temperatures near the melting point and cooled to investigate the effect of external Si addition on the phase evolution of Al₁₂(Fe,V)₃Si dispersion. Differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer were employed. The results showed that Al₁₂(Fe,V)₃Si and Si phases evolved into a needle-like Al_4.5FeSi phase and a nano-sized V-rich phase during holding the alloy at 580−600 °C. With increasing holding temperature to 620−640 °C, Al_4.5FeSi and nano-sized V-rich phases evolved reversibly into Al₁₂(Fe,V)₃Si and Si phases, of which Al₁₂(Fe,V)₃Si occupied a coarse and hexagonal morphology. During the alloy (after holding at 640 °C) furnace cooling to 570 °C or lower, Si and Al₁₂(Fe,V)₃Si phases evolved into strip-like Al_4.5FeSi and the V-rich phases, which is a novel formation route for Al_4.5FeSi phase different from Al−Fe−Si ternary system.     

Corrosion behaviour of twin belt cast EN AW 7075 alloy

The corrosion behaviour of the twin belt cast EN AW 7075 alloy is governed by intermetallic phases, namely Al₁₂(Fe,Cr,Mn)₃Si, Mg₂Si and CuAl₂, and by Mg(Zn,Cu,Al)₂ precipitates. The former are responsible for pitting activities while the Mg(Zn,Cu,Al)₂ precipitates play a key role in intergranular corrosion. The very fine dispersion of Mg(Zn,Cu,Al)₂ precipitates in samples aged to peak hardness undergo coarsening, particularly along the grain boundaries, when the hot band samples are overaged. Overageing improves the resistance to intergranular corrosion while the samples in T6 temper suffer heavy attack along grain boundaries. While ageing treatments hardly produce any change in the features of the intermetallic particles, they nevertheless seem to impact the pitting response. This may be accounted for also by the precipitation activities which in turn, change the chemistry of the solid solution matrix. Overageing to the T73 temper implies a higher purity matrix and thus changes the microgalvanic effects when exposed to neutral chloride solutions.     

Microstructural characteristics and paint-bake response of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy

The microstructural characteristics and paint-bake response of 6022 alloy with 0.3% Cu （mass fraction） were studied using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope（SEM）, transmission electron microscope（TEM） and tensile tester. The results indicate that the phase constituents in the as-cast microstructure are Mg2Si, Si, Al5Cu2Mg8Si6, Al5FeSi, α-Al（MnCrFe）Si and CuAl2. During the following homogenization, CuAl2, Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 and Mg2Si phases are almost completely dissolved, and Al5FeSi transforms to α-Al（MnCrFe）Si particles. After rolling, the phase constituents in the alloy change less except the precipitation of Mg2Si particles, and the precipitation behavior of Mg2Si strongly depends on the thermomechanical conditions. Cu addition significantly increases the paint-bake response of 6022 alloy by facilitating the formation of β＂ phase. Therefore, the tensile strength of 6022 alloy with 0.3% Cu is higher than that of 6022 alloy without Cu after paint-bake cycle.     

Effects of Pb and Cu additives on microstructure and wear corrosion resistance behaviour of PM Al–Si alloys

Abstract

The wear and wear corrosion resistance behaviour of Al–20Si–XPb–YCu (X=0–10 wt-%, Y=0–3 wt-%) alloys fabricated by a powder metallurgy (PM) technique and subsequent heat treatments were evaluated by a block on ring tribotest. The microstructure of all aluminium alloys was observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. The effects of applied potentials and environments including dry air and 3.5 wt-%NaCl aqueous solution were studied. The results of microstructure analysis indicated that Pb exhibited a bimodal distribution in the Pb containing alloys, and Cu particles become to form the intermetallic phase CuAl₂. Furthermore, the hardness rises significantly for both Pb and Cu containing alloys only after solid solution quenching treatment. The wear and corrosion results showed that the addition of both lead and copper would improve the wear resistance but lead to a higher corrosion rate whereas heat treatment had a beneficial effect of reducing the corrosion rate of most alloys with the exception of Al–Si alloy. Furthermore, by comparison of all alloys after heat treatment, the wear corrosion resistance of Al–Si alloy was inferior to the other alloys; consequent additions of Pb and Cu further improved its wear corrosion resistance. Moreover, at an anodic potential, the wear corrosion rate and current density of both Al–Si and Al–Si–Cu alloys containing particle Pb decrease significantly owing to a corrosion product layer composed of Al, O and Pb elements.     

The effect of Ca on corrosion behavior of heat‐treated Mg–Al–Zn alloy

The effect of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% Ca additions on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of the heat‐treated Mg–Al–Zn alloy was investigated. Addition of 0.5 wt% Ca did not form any new phase but suppressed the discontinuous precipitation of the β ‐Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase by being dissolved in both the second phase and magnesium matrix. In the materials containing higher amounts of Ca, however, metallographic investigation shows that Ca added to Mg–Al–Zn can obviously decrease the size of β ‐Mg₁₇Al₁₂ and forms Al₄Ca intermetallic compounds in the shape of bone‐like morphology. The corrosion tests used include constant immersion technique, and potentiodynamic polarization experiments and salt spray test. Surface examination and analytical studies were carried out using optical and scanning electron microscopy, EDX, and XRD. The results of corrosion tests show that magnesium alloy Mg–Al–Zn with 1.0 wt% Ca addition has the best corrosion resistance behavior.     

Corrosion of structural constituents of 2017 aluminium alloy in acidic solutions containing inhibitors

The objective of this study is to establish the corrosion behaviour of the most important structural constituents of the aluminium alloy 2017 in orthophosphoric acid solutions containing heteropolyoxomolybdate, tungstate and vanadate. These are potential candidates for replacing toxic hexavalent chromium species in stripping solution for anodic coatings. The corrosion rate of the alloy is estimated with linear polarisation method. It decreases from 0.58 mA cm⁻² in uninhibited solution to 0.10 mA cm⁻² in a solution containing heteropolyoxomolybdate species. Microscopic studies reveal that heteropolyoxomolybdate species inhibit corrosion of the matrix and intermetallic Al₁₅(Fe,Mn)₃(Si,Cu)₂ but not Mg₂Si. Intermetallic Al₂Cu remains not corroded. Heteropolyoxotungstate species virtually do not inhibit the corrosion of the alloy. The solution containing vanadium species is not stable with time and the corrosion rate is not determined. Nevertheless, corrosion of the matrix is inhibited, but intermetallics Al₁₅(Fe,Mn)₃(Si,Cu)₂ together with Mg₂Si are dissolved. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used for examination of a corrosion product precipitated on the surface.     

Fatigue crack growth mechanism in cast hybrid metal matrix composite reinforced with SiC particles and Al2O3 whiskers

The fatigue crack growth (FCG) mechanism of a cast hybrid metal matrix composite (MMC) reinforced with SiC particles and Al₂O₃ whiskers was investigated. For comparison, the FCG mechanisms of a cast MMC with Al₂O₃ whiskers and a cast Al alloy were also investigated. The results show that the FCG mechanism is observed in the near-threshold and stable-crack-growth regions. The hybrid MMC shows a higher threshold stress intensity factor range, ΔK_th, than the MMC with Al₂O₃ and Al alloy, indicating better resistance to crack growth in a lower stress intensity factor range, ΔK. In the near-threshold region with decreasing ΔK, the two composite materials exhibit similar FCG mechanism that is dominated by debonding of the reinforcement–matrix interface, and followed by void nucleation and coalescence in the Al matrix. At higher ΔK in the stable- or mid-crack-growth region, in addition to the debonding of the particle–matrix and whisker–matrix interface caused by cycle-by-cycle crack growth at the interface, the FCG is affected predominantly by striation formation in the Al matrix. Moreover, void nucleation and coalescence in the Al matrix and transgranular fracture of SiC particles and Al₂O₃ whiskers at high ΔK are also observed as the local unstable fracture mechanisms. However, the FCG of the monolithic Al alloy is dominated by void nucleation and coalescence at lower ΔK, whereas the FCG at higher ΔK is controlled mainly by striation formation in the Al grains, and followed by void nucleation and coalescence in the Si clusters.     

Influence of the microstructure on the machinability of heat-treated Al–10.8% Si cast alloys: Role of copper-rich intermetallics

This study was conducted with the intention of investigating a new experimental alloy, namely the 396 alloy which belongs to the Al–Si near-eutectic cast alloy group and contains about 10.8%Si. In the light of the above, the main purpose of the work is to report on the changes observed in the mechanical and machinability criteria resulting from the effects of the presence of two levels of Cu, namely 2.25% and 3.5%; and of the effects of two levels of Mg, namely 0.3% and 0.6%. In addition to the preceding, the effects of Mg-free alloys and Sr-modification on these same alloys were also investigated.The results demonstrate that the increase in the levels of Cu and/or Mg in the 396-T6 alloy has a detrimental effect on drill life. Such an effect may be attributed to the formation of large amounts of the coarse blocklike Al₂Cu phase, together with the formation of thick plates of the Al–Si–Cu–Mg phase. The Mg-free experimental alloy displays the lowest cutting force and moment in addition to producing the highest number of holes in the alloys studied. This observation may be explained by the cooperative precipitation of the Al₂Cu, Mg₂Si, Al₂CuMg, and Al₅Si₆Cu₂Mg₈ hardening phases in Mg-containing alloys which confer greater strength on the alloy than would be the case with the precipitation of only the Al₂Cu phase in the Mg-free alloy. A comparison of the non-modified alloy and the Sr-modified alloy (containing the same level of Mg and Cu additions) in terms of the number of holes drilled, reveals that the morphology of Si particles has a noticeable effect in governing the tool life of near-eutectic Al–Si alloys. The chip breakability of the alloys containing the Al₂Cu phase is superior to that of the alloys containing Mg₂Si. Thus, combined additions of Cu and Mg are expected to further refine the size of the chips produced.     

Alloying effect of copper concentration on the localized corrosion of aluminum alloy for heat exchanger tube

This study examined the alloying effect of Cu content on the localized corrosion properties of Al alloy in synthetic acid rain containing 200 ppm of Cl- ion. In aluminum alloy tubes, a small amount of Cu is contained as the additive to improve the mechanical strength or as the impurity. The Cu-containing intermetallic compound, Al₂Cu can cause galvanic corrosion because it has more noble potential than Al matrix. Therefore aluminum tube could be penetrated by localized corrosion attack. The results were obtained from electrochemical test, scanning electron microscopy, and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) mapping. Severe localized corrosion was occurred on the Al-0.03 wt% Cu alloy. The negative effect of Cu on the pitting corrosion was attributed to the presence of the Al₂Cu precipitates.     

Corrosion behaviour of stoichiometric Fe3Si alloy in liquid zinc

The corrosion behaviour of stoichiometric Fe₃Si alloy in a liquid zinc bath for 3 and 62 h at 500°C was examined. The corrosion products at the Fe₃Si/liquid zinc interface were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The corrosion process was controlled by the diffusion of iron and zinc atoms. There were scarcely any silicon atoms diffusing at Fe₃Si/liquid zinc interface from the matrix to liquid zinc. The phase transition process of the stoichiometric Fe₃Si alloy in liquid zinc was Fe₃Si, α, α+ FeSi+δ, FeSi+δ, and the main corrosion products were periodic array of FeSi and δ phase.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu/Al joints brazed using (Cu,Ni, Zr,Er)-modified Al—Si filler alloys

To design a promising Al—Si filler alloy with a relatively low melting-point, good strength and plasticity for the Cu/Al joint, the Cu, Ni, Zr and Er elements were innovatively added to modify the traditional Al—Si eutectic filler. The microstructure and mechanical properties of filler alloys and Cu/Al joints were investigated. The result indicated that the Al—Si—Ni—Cu filler alloys mainly consisted of Al(s,s), Al₂(Cu,Ni) and Si(s,s). The Al—10Si—2Ni—6Cu filler alloy exhibited relatively low solidus (521 °C) and liquidus (577 °C) temperature, good tensile strength (305.8 MPa) and fracture elongation (8.5%). The corresponding Cu/Al joint brazed using Al—10Si—2Ni—6Cu filler was mainly composed of Al₈(Mn,Fe)₂Si, Al₂(Cu,Ni)₃, Al(Cu,Ni), Al₂(Cu,Ni) and Al(s,s), yielding a shear strength of (90.3±10.7) MPa. The joint strength was further improved to (94.6±2.5) MPa when the joint was brazed using the Al—10Si—2Ni—6Cu—0.2Er—0.2Zr filler alloy. Consequently, the (Cu, Ni, Zr, Er)-modified Al—Si filler alloy was suitable for obtaining high-quality Cu/Al brazed joints.     

Study on localized corrosion mechanism of 2195 Al‐Li alloy in 4.0% NaCl solution (pH 6.5) using a three‐electrode coupling system

Localized corrosion morphologies of 2195 Al‐Li alloy with various heat treatment in 4.0% NaCl solution (pH 6.5) were investigated, and its corrosion mechanism was studied using a three‐electrode coupling system of α (Al) substituting for the precipitate‐free zone (PFZ), simulated bulk θ′ (Al₂Cu) and T1 (Al₂CuLi). θ′ acts as cathodic zone in the alloy. At the initial stage, T1 phase is active with respect to θ′ and α (Al), and endures the main anodic current, indicating that anodic dissolution occurs on T1. However, its potential moves to positive direction with immersion time, due to dealloying of Li from T1. As a result, the main anodic dissolution occurs on α (Al) at a later stage. At this stage, as only T1 and α (Al) are coupled, T1 is cathodic to α (Al). In real 2195 alloy, T1 phase is very tiny, and anodic dissolution of T1 and PFZ occurs alternately. These results show that its intergranular corrosion or intersubgranular corrosion is caused by alternate anodic dissolution of T1 phase and PFZ along grain and subgrain boundaries.     

Corrosion performance of high pressure die-cast Al-6Si-3Ni and Al-6Si-3Ni-2Cu alloys in aqueous NaCl solution

The corrosion performance of high pressure die-cast Al-6Si-3Ni (SN63) and Al-6Si-3Ni-2Cu (SNC632) alloys in 3.5% (mass fraction) NaCl solution was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microstructural studies revealed the presence of single phase Si and binary Al₃Ni/Al₃Ni₂ phases along the grain boundary. Besides, the single Cu phase was also identified at the grain boundaries of the SNC632 alloy. Electrochemical corrosion results revealed that, the SNC632 alloy exhibited nobler shift in corrosion potential (?_corr), lower corrosion current density (J_corr) and higher corrosion resistance compared to the SN63 alloy. Equivalent circuit curve fitting analysis of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results revealed the existence of two interfaces between the electrolyte and substrate. The surface layer and charge transfer resistance (R_ct) of the SNC632 alloy was higher than that of the SN63 alloy. Immersion corrosion test results also confirmed the lower corrosion rate of the SNC632 alloy and substantiated the electrochemical corrosion results. Cu addition improved the corrosion resistance, which was mainly attributed to the absence of secondary Cu containing intermetallic phases in the SNC632 alloy and Cu presented as single phase.     

Secondary phases and interfaces in a nitrogen-atmosphere sintered Al alloy: Transmission electron microscopy evidence for the formation of AlN during liquid phase sintering

A comprehensive transmission electron microscopy study has been made of the secondary phases and their interfaces with the matrix in an alloy of Al–2Mg–2Si–0.25Cu sintered in nitrogen. AlN was detected both at the Al–Mg₂Si interface and inside Mg₂Si grains as strings of nanocrystallites. Mg₂Si did not exist at the sintering temperature; it was the solidified residue of the sintering liquid. The observation confirms the formation of AlN during liquid phase sintering of aluminium alloys in nitrogen. The likely pore filling processes are discussed in the light of the distribution of the AlN nanocrystallites. Two Al-, Si- and O-rich secondary phases were also identified, suggesting that, in addition to Mg, Si may have also played a role in disrupting the Al₂O₃ film that enveloped each Al powder particle. These findings improve the fundamental basis for understanding the sintering of aluminium alloys in nitrogen and the role of Si.     

Localized dissolution initiated at single and clustered intermetallic particles during immersion of Al–Cu–Mg alloy in sodium chloride solution

Aiming at understanding how intermetallic phases response when AA2024-T3 aluminium alloy is exposed to chloride-containing aqueous medium, scanning electron microscopy was employed to provide morphological information on alloy surface before and after corrosion testing. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was carried out to determine compositional change in intermetallic particles. Atomic force microscopy was used to examine topographical variation introduced by the reactions of intermetallic phases. Transmission electron microscopy combined with ultramicrotomy was carried out on dealloyed Al₂CuMg particles and their periphery region. It is found that dealloyed Al₂CuMg particles exhibited porous, polycrystalline structure comprised of body-centred cubic copper particles with sizes of 5 to 20 nm. Aluminium matrix started to trench in the periphery of Al₂CuMg particles at the early stage of dealloying. Development of trenching in Al–Cu–Fe–Mn–(Si) particle's periphery was not uniform and took longer time to initiate than Al₂CuMg dealloying. Localized corrosion at a cluster of Al₂CuMg and Al₂Cu particles was mainly associated with Al₂CuMg particles.     

Electrochemical corrosion behavior of Al–Si alloy composites reinforced with in situ TiB2 particulate

Understanding the corrosion behavior of TiB_2p‐reinforced aluminum matrix composites is crucial for their development as effective composites. In this work, corrosion characteristics of in situ TiB₂ particulate reinforced Al–Si alloy (A356) composite after T6 treatment are investigated by electrochemical techniques. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) reveals that the protection of nature film for the composites is worse than that for A356 alloy. Polarization experiments testify that the composites are susceptible to corrosion compared with their matrix alloys. Moreover, the corrosion resistance of the composites markedly decreases with increase in the TiB₂ content. The observations of the corrosion morphologies after polarization test show that the corrosion primarily occurs at the interdendritic sites with a large amount of TiB₂ particulates. Corrosion progress continues into the composite inner along the regions of α‐Al dendrite. The poor corrosion resistant properties of the composites are considered primarily due to the galvanic corrosion between noble TiB₂ reinforcements and more active aluminum matrix, as well as the weak protection of the defective nature film on the composite.     

Effect of heat treatment on tensile and fatigue deformation behavior of extruded Al-12 wt%Si alloy

This study investigated the effect of heat treatment on tensile and high-cycle fatigue deformation behavior of extruded Al-12 wt%Si alloy. The material used in this study was extruded at a ratio of 17.7: 1 through extrusion process. To identify the effects of heat treatment, T6 heat treatment (515 °C/1 h, water quenching, and then 175 °C/10 h) was performed. Microstructural observation identified Si phases aligned in the extrusion direction in both extruded alloy (F) and heat treated alloy (T6). The average grain size of F alloy was 8.15 °C, and that of T6 alloy was 8.22 °C. Both alloys were composed of Al matrix, Si, Al₂Cu, Al₃Ni and AlFeSi phases. As T6 heat treatment was applied, Al₂Cu phases became more finely and evenly distributed. Tensile results confirmed that yield strength increased from 119.0 MPa to 329.0 MPa, ultimate tensile strength increased from 226.8 MPa to 391.4 MPa, and the elongation decreased from 16.1% to 5.0% as T6 heat treatment was applied. High-cycle fatigue results represented F alloy’s fatigue limit as 185 MPa and T6 alloy’s fatigue limit as 275 MPa, indicating that high-cycle fatigue properties increased significantly as heat treatment was conducted. Through tensile and fatigue fracture surface analysis, this study considered the deformation behaviors of extruded and heat treated Al-Si alloys in relation to their microstructures.     

Effect of welding speed on microstructure and corrosion resistance of Al–Li alloy weld joint

The corrosion resistance of a weld has a great impact on the service life of the joint. Changes in welding parameters can cause changes to the heat input, which affect the formation of the weld bead and the precipitation of the second phase, which determines the corrosion resistance of the weld. In this paper, the effect of a change in the welding speed on 2195 aluminium–lithium (Al–Li) alloy joints welded by laser and metal inert gas (laser-MIG) hybrid welding using Al–Si welding wire was studied. The macrostructure and microstructure of the weld were characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the predominant precipitates in the laser-MIG hybrid welded Al–Li alloy were the θ (Al₂Cu) and T (Al–Li–Si) phases. As the welding speed increased from 11.5 mm/s to 16.5 mm/s, the heat input decreased, and the amount of the precipitated phase increased. Intergranular corrosion and electrochemical experiments were carried out on the weld seam, and the corrosion resistance was tested. With increasing welding speed, the corrosion resistance of the weld decreased. The high potential of the precipitated phase decreased the corrosion resistance of the weld joint.