Characterization of Microstructures and Tensile Properties of Recycled Al-Si-Cu-Fe-Mn Alloys with Individual and Combined Addition of Titanium and Cerium

Individual and combined addition of Ti and Ce on the recycled Al-Si-Cu-Fe-Mn alloy was conducted. The microstructures and tensile properties of these fabricated alloys were investigated. In the case of Ti or Ce which was individually added, the added amount was ranging from 0.03 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%. The combined addition of Ti and Ce was set at the ratios of 1 : 1, 1 : 3, and 3 : 1 with a total amount of 0.12 wt.%. Microstructures and phases of these alloys were investigated by using an optical microscope, X-ray diffraction testing, and SEM coupled with EDS. The morphologies of these alloys were quantified by analyzing the SDAS value, length of secondary phases, and phases’ distribution uniformity. Tensile testing was carried out for understanding the strengthen effect of the modification process. Results show that the addition of Ce was favorable to the strength and % elongation because the coarse needle-like phase and the polyhedral phase were effectively refined. Their SDAS values and distribution factor were remarkably declined with the increase of the Ce level. The Ti addition could also refine the secondary phases and SDAS values. But its effect was not as prominent as the addition of Ce. Combined addition of Ti and Ce elements at the ratio of 1 : 3 resulted in the samples reaching maximum comprehensive tensile properties. In this case, the short needle-like phase was uniformly distributed in the microstructure. Few polyhedral phases could be found in the Al-Si-Cu-Fe-Mn matrix. The strengthening of these fabricated materials was due to the grain refinement for α-Al and modification for coarse secondary phases. In addition, distribution uniformity of secondary phases was also changed by their modification effects.