Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Rheoformed YL112 Aluminum Alloy

Rheo-die casting (RDC) based on LSPSF (low superheat pouring with a shear field) rheocasting process has been exploited. In case of secondary die casting aluminum alloy YL112, LSPSF allowed for preparation of sound semi-solid slurry in 15-20s that fully meet the production rate of HPDC, the primary α-Al exhibiting a mean equivalent diameter of 70 μm and shape factor of 0.93, without any entrapped eutectic. Compared to conventional HPDC, RDC improves microstructures in castings. Secondary solidification of semi-solid slurry takes place uniformly throughout the entire cavity, producing an extremely fine and uniform microstructure. The experimental results show the RDC 380 alloy has much improved integrity and mechanical properties, particularly elongation, and heat treatment can be used to enhance the mechanical properties.