Abstract:
In the present investigation, the microstructure and tensile properties of Al-12Ce, Al-12Ce-4Si, and Al-12Ce-4Si-0.4Mg alloys (wt-%), fabricated by suction-casting (SC) and gravity-casting (GC) were compared. The SC alloys exhibited finer grains and a higher number of precipitates than the GC alloys. Addition of Si and Mg in Al-12Ce alloy improved the hardness substantially. Incorporation of 4Si and 0.4Mg enhanced the yield and tensile stress but reduced ductility in the SC alloys. The SC Al-12Ce-4Si-0.4Mg alloy illustrated the best hardness and tensile strength. The fracture behaviour of the SC Al-12Ce alloy changed from quasi-cleavage to complete cleavage fracture following the addition of 4Si and 0.4Mg.