Microstructure and mechanical properties of rapidly solidified Al-Cr alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties of rapidly solidified Al-Cr alloys were investigated by XRD, TEM and microhardness testing instrument. The results indicate that the matrix of rapidly solidified Al-Cr alloys is α-Al solid solution when the Cr content is lower than 4 wt%. However, when the Cr content is above 4 wt%, the microstructures of rapidly solidified Al-Cr alloys are different along cross section. The microstructure of alloy contacting copper roller consists of α-Al and a few intermetallic compounds. With the increase of distance from copper roller, the matrix consists of α-Al and spherical intermetallic compounds which conglomerate in α-Al matrix. These intermetallic compounds are Al7Cr, Al11Cr and Al4Cr. The tensile strength has the maximal value when the Cr content is about 8 wt%. The annealed microstructures show that supersaturated α-Al solid solution dissolved with increasing anneal temperature. The starting temperature of the second phase precipitated from the supersaturated α-Al solid solution desponds on the supersaturation. Meanwhile, the microhardness of rapidly solidified Al-Cr alloy reaches maximal value after annealing at 300 °C.