Potential of an Al-Ti-MgAl2O4 Master Alloy and Ultrasonic Cavitation in the Grain Refinement of a Cast Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

A new grain refining master alloy containing MgAl2O4 and Ti was synthesized by in situ reaction of TiO2 particles in an Al-Mg melt. MgAl2O4 particles formed were distributed in the melt by ultrasonic cavitation processing. The obtained master alloy showed considerable (50 pct) grain refining ability in a commercial A357-type Al-Si alloy. Ultrasonication contributed further to 25 pct in the grain refinement. In comparison with a commercial Al-5 pct Ti-1 pct B master alloy, the efficiency of the new master alloy is less at a lower addition rate. Nevertheless, both master alloys performed similarly at higher additions. The strength and ductility of the inoculated and ultrasonicated alloy showed at least a 10 pct and a 50 pct increase, respectively, as compared with non-grain-refined alloy and a similar mechanical performance in comparison with the alloy inoculated with Al-5 pct Ti-1 pct B master alloy.