Influence of Silicon Additions on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Manganese Bronze Alloys

The present investigation aims to synthesize RB031, RB032 Manganese Bronze alloys equivalent to HTB1 and HTB2 alloys with the addition of silicon and to characterize them with the help of Microstructure and Mechanical properties. The methodology involves melting of alloys in a 300kg coreless medium frequency induction furnace, casting them in Permanent and Shell molds with optimum values of Zinc equivalent and retaining their high mechanical properties. The study includes the development and mechanical property measurements of the alloys synthesized. Characterization has been carried out using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with EDAX analysis for investigation of compositional variations and inquisition of hardness measurement & tensile properties. It is concluded from this work that RB032 alloy cast in Permanent molds has superior hardness and tensile properties compared to Shell molds which far exceeds that of NAB (AB2) alloys processed under similar conditions. Further, this investigation includes grain refinement by suitable Heat treatment studies to combat hot tearing since the strength is adequate enough with RB032 exhibiting higher hardness than other two alloys.