한국주조공학회

The effects of changes in microstructure of Si phase on the thermal expansion coefficients(CTEs) and tensile properties of the hypereutectic Al-Si foundry alloy(A390) were investigated experimentally. Specimens were prepared by various fabrication processes, such as a permanent mold casting, a squeeze casting and a spray casting process, and subsequently hot-extruded. CTEs of the spray-cast specimen were found to be about 10% lower than those of the permanent mold-cast specimen, and the CTEs of the hypereutectic Al-Si alloy(A390) were changed proportionally with the size of Si phase. Ultimate tensile strength of the spray-cast and hot-extruded specimen was dramatically improved about 100% with improved elongation, compared to that of permanent mold-cast specimen. These improvements are mainly attributed to the reduction in size and aspect ratio of the brittle Si phase, and the elimination of the microvoids/porosities formed during casting.