Investigating the effect of counter gravity mold filling on microstructure and mechanical properties of cast aluminium

Abstract

In present study an effort has been made to investigate the effect of changing the mode of mold cavity filling on mechanical properties and microstructure of cast aluminium. The pouring of the melt in mold cavity is avoided so as to check defects associated with it and instead of pouring, counter gravity filling of mold technique is utilized. The obtained properties and microstructure are compared with gravity poured (traditionally cast) aluminium. Characterization techniques like optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction and mechanical testing like tensile and hardness of the cast samples is carried out. Hardness and tensile strength reported an increment of 22.37% and 26.71% respectively as compared to traditionally cast specimens. This enhancement in mechanical properties was attributed to improved microstructure obtained.