A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Microstructure Evolution during Semi-Solid Rheo-Cast Process of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy Reinforced with Potassium Titanate Whiskers




AuthorsWu, Xia; Li, Zilin; Hong, Xumin; Bai, Jingyuan; Zhao, Zhanyong; Li, Weirong; Wang, Yuxiang; Ren, Zhiyi; Giyasov, Shukhrat; Papageorgiou, Anastassios; Cai, Minghui; Lu, Chao; Cui, Xiaoli; Shi, Wenqing; Tie, Di

PublisherThe Japan Institute of Metals and Materials

Publication year2025

Journal: Materials Transactions

Volume66

Issue12

First page 1605

Last page1608

ISSN1345-9678

eISSN1347-5320

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.2320/matertrans.MT-M2025093

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingNo Open Access

Publication channel's open availability No Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.2320/matertrans.MT-M2025093


Abstract

Recent investigations have demonstrated that potassium titanate whiskers (PTW) as reinforcement can significantly improve the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. Building on these findings, 7xxx alloy-5.0 vol% PTW composites were fabricated via rheological processing, with characterization conducted on microstructural evolution during solidification. With prolonged processing duration, PTW exhibits progressively improved dispersibility in the alloy matrix. Specifically, a 59.3% reduction in the average whisker length was observed following 30 s of semi-solid slurrying, attributed to the shear-induced fragmentation during the treatment. Meanwhile, the composite’s tensile strength reached 363.0 ± 3.7 MPa, gaining ca. 29.0% increase. Findings from this study demonstrate that high-performance Al-PTW composites can be fabricated via semi-solid rheological processing, concurrently enabling a reduction in PTW reinforcement content. Additionally, this research deepens the comprehension of PTW breakage and distribution mechanisms during the solidification of semi-solid aluminum melts.



Last updated on 15/01/2026 01:10:42 PM