An investigation into double oxide film defects in aluminium alloys

W. D. Griffiths, A. J. Caden, M. A. El-Sayed

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

When the oxidised surface of a liquid metal is folded over onto itself and entrained double oxide film defects are formed, which form crevices or cracks in the solidified casting, of varying sizes and orientations. These defects not only reduce mechanical properties, but also increase the scatter of properties. This paper reports an analog experiment to study the behavior of the interior atmosphere of double oxide film defects in Al alloy melts of varying Mg content. Air bubbles were trapped in melts of liquid Al alloy which were then solidified after holding for varying periods of time. The composition of the bubbles was subsequently measured using mass spectroscopy. This showed the reaction of oxygen from the bubble atmosphere to form oxides, followed by the consumption of nitrogen to form AlN. Simultaneously, hydrogen from the melt diffused into the air bubble. The changes in composition were used to estimate the rate of change in composition of the interior atmosphere of a typical double oxide film defect of an estimated size. This suggested that double oxide film defects may quickly achieve an interior atmosphere that would consist of a mixture of mainly nitrogen and hydrogen, and that this atmosphere could exist for periods of time greater than the typical solidification times of light alloy castings. In other words, oxide film defects created during mould filling should persist into the solidified casting. In addition, SEM analysis of oxide film defects also suggested the presence of oxide whiskers, which seem to have formed during holding in the melt.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaterials Science Forum
PublisherTrans Tech Publications Inc
Pages142-147
Number of pages6
Volume783-786
ISBN (Print)9783038350736
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event8th International Conference on Processing and Manufacturing of Advanced Materials: Processing, Fabrication, Properties, Applications, THERMEC 2013 - Las Vegas, NV, United States
Duration: 2 Dec 20136 Dec 2013

Publication series

NameMaterials Science Forum
Volume783-786
ISSN (Print)02555476

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Processing and Manufacturing of Advanced Materials: Processing, Fabrication, Properties, Applications, THERMEC 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas, NV
Period2/12/136/12/13

Keywords

  • Aluminium alloys
  • Bifilms
  • Casting
  • Double oxide film defects

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials

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