Publication

Abstract : An investigation was carried out to find the effect of Al/Si content on mechanical properties in Zn-Al alloys. Six different alloy compositions were cast with Zn at 60 wt. % and Si varying from 0 wt. % to 5 wt. %. The alloys were prepared using stir casting process and poured into permanent mould metallic die. Micro-hardness, ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation of the alloy specimens were measured. The microstructure of the alloy without Si content showed the presence of Al rich α-dendrites and inter-dendritic Zn-rich η phases. The addition of Si content up to 2 wt. % to the alloy system showed uniformly distributed discrete particles of Si in addition to the features of the Si-free alloy. However, when the Si content of the alloys goes beyond 2 wt. %, the Si particles formed large clusters. It was found that the hardness and ultimate tensile strength of the alloy increased with increase of Si content up to 3 wt. % and then decreased when Si content increased further. The percentage elongation decreases up to 3 wt. % of Si and then increases. It shows that the Si content has significant effect on mechanical properties of Zn-Al alloy. © Research India Publications.