Grain Refinement of Self-Hardening Aluminum Alloys

Grain refinement offers several benefits in aluminum casting applications. It can be performed by inoculation, representing one of the mostly used method at industrial level and is based on the addition of nucleating agents. By using grain refinement method important benefits can be reached, for both cast and wrought aluminum alloys: a fine distribution of the secondphases, improved castability, reduction of shrinkage porosity, higher mechanical properties, as well superior fatigue life. In the present paper investigation of the effect of Al-5Ti-1B grain refiner on the microstructure and on the mechanical properties of self-hardening aluminum alloy will be presented and discussed. The appropriate use of grain refiner contributes to improve the mechanical properties, particularly the strength and the ductility of the alloy.