Effect of different Cu contents on the microstructure and hydrogen production of Al-Cu-Ga-In-Sn alloys for dissolvable materials

Al-Cu-Ga-In-Sn alloys with different Cu contents are produced by smelting and casting, and the influence of copper on the water-aluminum reaction is studied. The microstructure of the alloys is examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Water discharge method is used to measure the hydrogen volume produced by the water-aluminum reaction. The results show that copper hinders the reaction mainly due to the formation of Al2Cu. These phases precipitated at the aluminum grain boundaries not only affect the formation and distribution of the low melting point Ga-In-Sn phase, but also cut off the direct contact between the aluminum matrix grain and the Ga-In-Sn phase of the interface, which results in the decrease of the reaction rate and the H-2 yield of the alloy. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.