Effect of novel grain refiner and Ni alloying additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Si_9.8-Cu_3.4 HPDC castings – optimization using Multi Criteria Decision making approach

Studies dealing with process improvement of aluminum alloys and their grain structure refinement are the current area of interest in casting companies and foundries, the aim being to enhance the properties of the base metal. In this study, the microstructural and mechanical properties of commercial Al-Si_9.8-Cu_3.4 alloy die castings influenced by different additions of Al-3.5FeNb-1.5C master alloy (viz. 0 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 1.0 wt.%) as a new grain refiner and Al-6Ni master alloy (viz. 0 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, and 5.0 wt.%) as an alloying element have been investigated. A multi-criteria decision-making approach for the improvement of the die casting process was performed using grey relational analysis (GRA) and TOPSIS analytical techniques. It was observed that the primary aluminum α-grains were significantly refined, particularly at the lower addition level 0.1 wt.% of Al-3.5FeNb-1.5C, and conversely, poor grain refining efficiency was observed at a higher addition level 1.0 wt.% of Al-3.5FeNb-1.5C. Due to the refinement by Al-3.5FeNb-1.5C grain refiner and the effect of Ni alloying element additions, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and hardness (Brinell and micro) of the Al-Si_9.8-Cu_3.4 alloy are improved, particularly at 0.1 wt.% of Al-3.5FeNb-1.5C and 0.5 wt.% of Al-6Ni master alloys. Quantitatively, UTS, Brinell hardness, and microhardness values have been increased by 12.3%, 7.0%, and 20%, respectively.