Effect of Process Parameters on the Microstructure of Semi-solid ZL101 Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum alloy is the important alloy which has been widely used. To reduce waste, it is necessary to thixoform these alloys in near net shape. Semi-solid slurry is the key in process. In this work, the semi-solid slurry of ZL101 aluminum alloy was prepared by using serpentine channel. Effect of process parameters on the microstructure of semi-solid ZL101 aluminum alloy produced by serpentine channel was investigated. The results show that, the morphology of primary alpha-Al grains transformed from rosette to spheroid with decreasing pouring temperature. Satisfied semi-solid slurry of ZL101 aluminum alloy was prepared with pouring at 630 degrees C to 670 degrees C. Increasing curve number can improve the morphology of primary alpha-Al grain and decrease grain size with same pouring temperature. Desired slurry can be obtained with the lower pouring temperature when serpentine channel is preheated. It can make the primary nucleus gradually evolve into spherical and near-spherical grains with the effect of "self-stirring" in serpentine channel and chilling.