Abstract Scope |
Tungsten aluminide is studied as a potential intermetallic reinforcement phase in aluminum alloys. The addition of silicon can affect intermetallic formation and growth. Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) was applied to a powder mixture of 10/90 W/AlSi12. Samples were then heat-treated at different conditions above and below the matrix melting point and examined using SEM, EDS, and XRD. The results were compared to pure Al/W composite prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). X-ray diffraction revealed Si, Al12W, Al5W, Al4W, tungsten silicides and andalusite compounds. The Al12W phase exhibits a fixed tungsten and silicon concentration. SEM imaging shows fast, faceted, growth of the Al12W precipitants with a hexagonal geometry. Silicon alloying reduces the matrix melting point and increases fluidity, facilitating the growth of intermetallics at lower temperatures compared to non-silicon materials. |