Effect of ultrasonic and mechanical vibration treatments on evolution of Mn-rich phases and mechanical properties of Al−12Si−4Cu−1Ni−1Mg−2Mn piston alloys

Effects of ultrasonic vibration (UV) and mechanical vibration (MV) on the Mn-rich phase modification and mechanical properties of Al−12Si−4Cu−1Ni−1Mg−2Mn piston alloys were investigated. The results show that the UV and UV+MV treatments can significantly refine and fragmentize the microstructures. In addition, UV treatment can significantly passivate the primary Mn-rich Al₁₅Mn₃Si₂ intermetallics. The formation mechanisms of refinement and passivation of the grains and non-dendrite particles were discussed. Compared with the gravity die-cast alloys, the UV and UV+MV treated alloys exhibit improved tensile and creep resistance at room and elevated temperatures. These results can be attributed to the refinement of the α(Al) grains and the secondary intermetallics, the increased proportion of refined heat-resistant precipitates, and the formation of nano-sized Si particles. The ultimate tensile strength of the UV treated alloys at 350 °C exceeds that of commercial piston alloys. This indicates the high application potential of the developed piston alloys in density diesel engines.