Microstructures and Vickers hardness of rapidly solidified Al-Cu alloys near the Al-Al₂Cu equilibrium eutectic composition

Abstract

Al-Cu alloys near the Al-Al₂Cu equilibrium eutectic composition were rapidly solidified by the single-roller method. Two-zone structures were observed in transverse sections of Al-24.8, 30.0, 32.7, 33.2, 37.0 and 40.3 mass % Cu alloy ribbons, which were interpreted on the basis of the difference in cooling rates and of the temperature gradients between the chilled and free-surface sides of the ribbons. Non-equilibrium eutectic structures, cellular and irregular lamellar, were seen at the chilled side because the alloy liquids were directionally solidified with coupled eutectic growth. The coupled zone of the Al-Cu alloy expanded over the composition range 24.8–40.3 mass % Cu by rapid solidification. Dendritic structures were formed at the unchilled side of Al-24.8, 30.0, 37.0 and 40.3 mass % Cu alloys. Vickers hardness values at the chilled side differed from those at the unchilled side due to the difference in the microstructure.