Abstract
Useful properties of eutectic alloys have been found to relate to the presence of granulated discontinuous phase, and its formation is encouraged during solidification; although difficulties are encountered in some alloy systems. In the present paper it is suggested that discontinuous phase granulation can be achieved through either solidification processing or heat treatment. The kinetics of granulation during heat treatment and the factors affecting it have been analysed and examined for eutectic silicon in Al–Si alloys and for graphite in cast irons during heat treatment, using the techniques of high-temperature and quantitative metallography. The concept of combined control of the size and morphology of the discontinuous phase through solidification and heat treatment was developed.
MST/254
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