Improvement in the Uniformity of Bismuth Distribution in an Al-Bi Alloy by Ultrasonic Processing and Hydrogen Melt Enrichment
摘要
Manufacturing of immiscible metallic alloysMetallic alloys, such as aluminumAluminum-bismuth, faces challenges in achieving uniform distribution of secondary phase droplets/particles due to their higher density and tendency to agglomerate/coalesce, which negatively affects mechanical propertiesMechanical properties. Recent studies on emulsification of immiscible liquids showed that ultrasonic treatment (UST) of gas-saturated systems improved the droplet distribution. In this work we tested this approach on Al-Bi alloys with melts saturated with hydrogenHydrogen. It was demonstrated that this combination resulted in the uniform distribution of fineFines Bi droplets in the aluminumAluminum matrix. UST had a dual role in the process: (a) increased cavitation facilitated by dissolved hydrogenHydrogen improved the efficiency of droplet formation and distribution and (b) ultrasonic degassing eliminated the adverse effects of gas porosity. Finer and evenly distributed Bi particles enhanced the wear resistance of the alloy.