Effect of cooling rate on AlFe primary and eutectic phase growth evolution in an Al-2Fe-1Mn alloy

Author(s)

Leal, Jaderson Rodrigo da Silva ; Saldanha, Felipe Escher ; Ganju, Eshan ; Spinelli, Jose Eduardo ; de Gouveia, Guilherme Lisboa

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Alloys and Compounds; v. 1010, p. 13-pg., 2024-12-04.

Abstract

A higher percentage of recycled Al often increases Fe content, promoting the formation of Fe-rich intermetallic phases with morphologies that detrimentally affect the alloy's mechanical properties. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research focusing on the impacts of cooling rate in the microstructural morphology in alloys containing Mn. This study aims to characterize the AlFe and Al(Fe,Mn) phases formed during the solidification of the Al-2 wt% Fe-1 wt% Mn alloy for samples at 1 K/s and 3 K/s. The methodology includes traditional 2D techniques, such as metallography, SEM-EDS, and EBSD, with non-destructive 3D X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) analysis to evaluate the complex morphologies of the formed intermetallic phases. The presence of primary starlike Al13Fe4 and trefoil-like Al6(Fe,Mn) phase morphologies was observed in both 1 K/s and 3 K/s samples. The presence of Mn as an alloying element, combined with relatively increased cooling rates, reduces the fraction of primary phases, particularly the star-like phase at 3 K/s. Moreover, the formation of the Al6(Fe, Mn) phase as part of the eutectic microconstituent with the Al phase was favored, transitioning from a divorced morphology to eutectic colonies with increasing cooling rate. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 24/03615-0 - Morphology, growth mode and properties of CuSn and AlFe intermetallics through advanced characterization techniques
• Grantee: Guilherme Lisboa de Gouveia
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 23/06107-3 - Study of the growth of AlFe primary phases in Al alloys and of intermetallic layers in Sn-Bi-X/copper joints
• Grantee: José Eduardo Spinelli
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/23673-7 - Evaluation of alloys for thermal interface contact and for additive manufacturing
• Grantee: José Eduardo Spinelli
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/08436-9 - Electromigration and 4D microtomography in Sn-Bi-In thermal joints
• Grantee: José Eduardo Spinelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research