Role of visual examination and microstructure examination in development of Al-Si Alloy Foam

Abstract

Aluminium foams are two phase systems which are not thermodynamically stable. These consists of large gas volume which is dispersed in small liquid or solid volume. The porosity in the foam may be spherical or polyhedral depending upon the foaming agent, concentration of foaming agent, temperature and method of foaming process. Pouring temperature has significant influence on the quality and microstructure of the casting of LM2 Al-Si alloy. The main objective of the research is to investigate the effect of pouring temperature, section thickness and melt treatment on the microstructure. Lower pouring temperature was found to produce finer microstructure casting.  A novel method of centrifugal foam casting can be used for solid and hollow components having cylindrical cross sections. In this paper Titanium hydride and Lithium aluminium hydride are used as forming agents and different concentrations and temperatures are studied for the effect on pore generation and microscopic distribution. Visual examinations and Optical metallography can be used as basic decision-making steps in the development of foam manufacturing to check the percentage of porosity as a preliminary confirmation method.

URN:NBN:sciencein.jist.2024.v12.720