Process for the production of Al-Fe-V-Si alloys

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of high strength and high wear resistant Al—Fe—V—Si alloys. The present invention comprises modifying/blocking primary intermetallic phases as well as interdendritic silicide phases by treating the melt with elemental magnesium or magnesium bearing master alloys to get a structure containing uniform distribution of intermetallic phases. The uniform distribution of primary and interdendritic phases are obtained with addition of magnesium or magnesium bearing master alloys because morphology of the interface changes resulting in the creation of more nuclei. It also breaks dendrite of the primary particles leading to structural change and fine particles. The present invention is useful for the industries engaged in production of high strength wear resistant aluminium alloys which are widely used in aerospace, transport and other engineering sectors.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A process for the production of high strength and high wear resistant Al—Fe—V—Si alloy which comprises 
 (i) melting pure aluminum, Al—Fe—V, Al—Si master alloys at a temperature in the range of 800 to 1000° C. to obtain a melt of Al—Fe—V—Si in the following composition ranges. 
 Fe=8 to 10 wt %, V=0.8 to 1.0 wt %, Si=0.8 to 1.7 wt % and balance Al,  
 
 (ii) degassing the said melt  
 (iii) adding magnesium or magnesium bearing master alloys in the range of 0.05-1.0 wt % to the degassed melt.  
 (iv) pouring the resultant melt in a die to obtain a casting followed by cooling  
 (v) heating the casting obtained to a temperature in the range of 350 to 500° C.  
 (vi) hot rolling/extrusion of the homogenized casting in the temperature range of 250 to 500° C.  
 
     
     
         2 . A process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pure aluminium used is of 99.6% purity.  
     
     
         3 . A process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the degassing of the melt is effected by adding flux or argon gas.  
     
     
         4 . A process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the magnesium used is pure magnesium of 99.8% purity.  
     
     
         5 . A process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the magnesium used is magnesium bearing master alloys selected from the group consisting of Al—Mg, F 3 —Si—Mg and Ni—Mg master alloys.  
     
     
         6 . A process as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the magnesium bearing master alloys used is selected from Al-10-20% Mg, Fe—Si-9-20% Mg and Ni-10-20% Mg.