Rare Earth Lanthanum and Manganese Mixed Al-Si Alloys: An Electromagnetic Stirring Approach for Improved Metallurgical and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of electromagnetic stirring, combined with the addition of rare earth lanthanum and manganese, on the metallurgical and mechanical properties of aluminium alloys containing a high silicon concentration (above eutectic). The study compares the effects of each element and treatment method. The results demonstrate that incorporating lanthanum, manganese, and electromagnetic stirring (EMS) significantly improves the metallurgical characteristics of Al-Si alloys. Specifically, the combined treatment leads to a reduction in the average size of primary silicon particles (PSP), β-intermetallic iron needles, and the mean aspect ratio of these particles. Moreover, the mechanical properties, such as strength and hardness, were enhanced by the combined use of rare earth, manganese, and EMS. This study highlights the synergistic benefits of these treatments in optimizing the properties of high-silicon aluminium alloys.