Increasing the efficiency of refining and modification of aluminum alloys when using electromagnetic factors

V. Fikssen

Physics Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (PTIMA NASU), 34/1 Acad. Vernadsky Blvd., Kyiv 03142, Ukraine

Abstract
Mechanical properties of aluminum alloys and their corrosion resistance are strongly influenced by the content of non-metallic inclusions and hydrogen dissolved in the melt, therefore, the improvement of technologies for refining aluminum alloys is important. The use of electromagnetic factors for this purpose has not yet been studied enough, but theoretical studies and experiments carried out show that this direction is promising. The paper presents the results of testing a new technology in which electromagnetic factors are used to enhance the efficiency of aluminum alloy refining from non-metallic inclusions and hydrogen. A melt flow was initiated through a ceramic foam filter by an electromagnetic pump, through which an electric current with a frequency of 50 Hz passes. At the same time, argon was introduced perpendicular to the flow direction at the crucible bottom. After refining, a modifier was introduced into the liquid metal bath and electromagnetic stirring was started. Metallographic studies of the sample cast from the refined metal have shown a significant quality increase. Cast mechanical properties increased accordingly. Tables 1, Figs 1, Refs 10.

Key words: electromagnetic factors, aluminum alloys, refining, ceramic foam filter, argon