The effect of modification with rare earth elements on ZnAI22Cu3 alloy structure and mechanical properties

The influence of modification with rare earth elements (RE) on the structure and mechanical properties of alloy ZnA122Cu3 is presented in the paper. ZnA122Cu3, ZnA122Cu3SiM and ZnA122Cu3Si (modified alloy) alloys were tested. ZnA122Cu3Si and ZnA122Cu3 alloys were characterized with heterogeneous, fine-grained, dendritic structure. The structure of the alloy ZnA122Cu3SiM was much more homogeneous. It was found that the addition of silicon reduces the tensile strength. Addition of rare earth elements to the alloy with silicon resulted in the re-growth of melt strength of alloy. It was also found that the modification performed by using of rare earth elements increases the hardness of the alloy.