Analysis of high-intensity ultrasonic dilution process of XD composites

The ultrasonic dilution mechanism was analyzed through studying the fabrication process of the Zn-Al alloy matrix composites by high-intensity ultrasonic dilution of XD composites. The results show that the mechanism of ultrasonic dilution of the XD composites is the result of the cooperative effects of the acoustic cavitation and high speed acoustic streaming in the Zn-Al alloy melt. The instantaneous high temperature caused by the acoustic cavitation can promote the element's diffusion between the interface of XD composites and the Zn-Al alloy melt. The instantaneous high pressure breaks off the long rod-like TiAl3 phase protruding along the XD composite/Zn-Al interface, and drives the gathering particles out of the net of the rod-like TiAl3 phase. On the other hand, the intensitive agitation caused by the acoustic streaming thins the interface area and makes the short rod-like TiAl3 phase and fine particles (Al2O3 and TiB2) homogeneously disperse in the Zn-Al alloy melt. On the basis of the results, the models of the element diffusion and dilution process of the XD composites into the Zn-Al alloy melt were established.