Consolidation of Rapidly Solidifying Al-6Si-0.3Cu Alloy by Spark Plasma Sintering and Cold Compaction Methods

Abstract

In this study, Al-6Si-0.3Cu ribbon alloys produced by melt-spinning method were consolidated by two different methods, which are spark plasma sintering and cryogenic ball milling + cold compaction. From X-ray diffraction analysis, it was found that the solubility of Si in Al matrix in melt-spun alloys increased, but Si precipitated in SPS and ball milled+cold compacted alloys. Optical and scanning electron microscope observation revealed that while melt spun alloys have a very fine and homogenous microstructure, Si phase has become coarser in SPS and cold compacted alloys due to the sintering. The results showed that the spark plasma sintering method is a very effective method for compaction of melt-spun Al-6Si-0.3Cu alloy.