Microstructure features affecting mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of a hypoeutectic Al-Ni alloy

The aim of this article is to analyze the influence of microstructural parameters on the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of a hypoeutectic Al-Ni alloy. Experimental results include secondary dendrite arm spacing, corrosion potential, current density, pitting potential, ultimate tensile strength and yield strength. It was found that cooling rates during solidification of about 0.6 degrees C/s and 8 degrees C/s can provide secondary dendritic spacings of 7 mu m and 16 mu m, respectively. Although the microstructure having their phases finely and homogeneously distributed was shown to induce better mechanical properties and higher pitting potential, its general corrosion resistance decreased when compared with the corresponding results of the coarser microstructure. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.