Grain refinement of cast aluminum alloys by powder metallurgically produced master alloys

Project Manager: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Volker Wesling

Funding period: 12/2009 - 10/2011 Funding body: ZIM, Berlin Funding code: -

Contact person: Dr.-Ing. Gabriele Vidrich

The aim of the joint project is to improve the castability of AlCu alloys by means of new grain refining agents for use in complex and thermomechanically highly stressed components. Within the scope of the project, a system is to be developed for adapting grain refining agents specifically to the respective aluminum alloy systems in order to achieve improved effectiveness. These particles are to be supplied via powder-metallurgically produced master alloys, which are manufactured by mechanically alloying the particles with a carrier material and then consolidating them. After addition of the master alloy to the aluminum melt, it dissolves, with the higher-melting particles therein being dispersed in the melt and serving as heterogeneous nuclei for solidifying phases. The effectiveness of the master alloys is expected to be reflected not only in improved castability but also in mechanical properties. Alternative manufacturing processes for the grain refiners are also to be investigated, which show the potential for mass production. In the end, a process chain for production is to be defined that enables efficient and cost-minimizing production.In addition to the TU Clausthal, an industrial company is also involved in this research project.