Materials Science Forum, Vol.403, 21-25, 2002
Rapidly solidified bulk Al alloys from a new centrifugal force casting
Amorphous and nanostructured Al alloys have called attention of many scientific studies due to their interesting mechanical properties, with specific strength. However, the technological application of these alloys is limited by the reduced size obtained. There is a potential for production of improved bulk alloys directly from liquid by rapid solidification, leading to fine and metastable microstructures. Therefore the present work aimed to present a new centrifugal force casting, employed to rapidly solidification of Al90Fe5Nd5 alloy. The centrifugal force casting system is described and the results for Al90Fe5Nd5 alloy are compared with low pressure water cooled mould casting. The new process yields bulk specimens with finer microstructures and relatively high mechanical properties. Thus, the new system presents an important option for development of rapidly solidified bulk alloys.