Performance Improvement of A356 Cast Aluminum Alloy by Adding TiO2 Powder and Stirring in Microstructure and Strength

Abstract

This study aims to improve the performance of A356 cast aluminum alloy by incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO₂) powder and applying variations in stirring speed during processing. The effects of these modifications were evaluated based on microstructural characteristics, tensile strength, and impact strength. The methodology includes a casting process with TiO₂ concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight, along with variations in stirring speed (300, 400, 500 and 600 RPM) to ensure homogeneous powder distribution within the aluminum matrix. The mechanical properties of the A356 + TiO₂ composite, including tensile strength, elastic modulus, strain, and impact energy, were evaluated. Furthermore, the material's microstructure was examined using optical microscopy. The results indicate that the addition of TiO₂ contributes to an increased titanium content in the alloy, leading to microstructural changes characterized by the formation of finer dendrites. Furthermore, the combination of TiO₂ addition and increased stirring speed significantly enhances the material's tensile and impact strength. With the addition of TiO₂ by 15%, there is an increase in tensile strength of 14.2% and impact strength of 21%. Likewise, with an increase in rotation up to 600 RPM, tensile strength increases by 14.9% and impact strength increases by 8.2%. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of advanced aluminum-based materials for industrial applications, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors.