The formation mechanism of giant intermetallic compounds in the solidification of the Al-Mn alloys, corresponding to the 3004 alloy, has been investigated. Giant intermetallic compounds were found to be of a MnAl
6 phase into which Fe dissolved, and they precipitate as primary crystals prior to the precipitation of α-Al.
The primary precipitation line and the precipitation temperature, T
M(°C), of the MnAl
6 phase are represented by %Fe+1.07%Mn=1.707(at 650°C)and T
M=591.2+34.4(%Fe+1.07%Mn), respectively.
The influence of Mg on the primary precipitation line is found to be rather small by comparing the equilibrium diagrams of the 3004 alloy and the ternary AI-Mn-Fe alloy system.
The behavior of these compounds in continuous casting was also investigated and compared with the above equations. Applying these equations, it is possible to predict and prevent the occurrence of the primary MnAl
6 phase during continuous casting.
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