Effect of Solidification Structure on Mechanical Properties of Al-Fe Alloy Wires Produced by OCC Process

Abstract

  Unidirectional solidified Al-1.6, 1.9, 3.0% Fe alloy wires of 6 mm diameter were produced using the Ohno Continuous Casting (OCC) process at casting speeds of 1.67, 5.0, and 8.3 mm/s. The relationship between the solidification structure and mechanical properties of OCC wires was studied and compared with those of wires produced by cooled mold casting. The structure of the Al-3.0% Fe alloy OCC wire produced at a casting speed of 1.67 mm/s consisted of only eutectic structures. The other OCC wires consisted of α-aluminum dendrites aligned in the casting direction and eutectic structures. With the increase in casting speeds, the α-aluminum dendrite and eutectic structures of OCC wires became finer, and the tensile elongation of OCC wires increased simultaneously. The tensile strength and elongation of OCC wires produced at higher casting speeds (5.0 and 8.3 mm/s) were superior to those of the conventional wires. Al-3.0% Fe alloy OCC wire cast at 5.0 mm/s exhibited tensile elongation of 7% and tensile strength of 254 MPa, which was 1.4 times higher than that of conventional wires.