Modification of the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-30%Zn alloy with Cerium and Silicon

Iyebeye KO, Nwambu CN* and Nnuka EE

This study investigates how the introduction of cerium and silicon influences the structure and mechanical characteristics of Cu-30%Zn alloy. The examined properties included tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance. The tensile strength of the developed alloys was determined using an automated JPL tensile strength tester (Model: 130812) with a capacity of 100 kilonewtons, following the ASTM D638 standard. The impact strength was assessed by the ASTM D256 standard using a pendulum impact testing machine (Model: U1820). Additionally, hardness testing was conducted using a Brinell tester. The Brinell hardness test was performed with a portable dynamic hardness tester (Model: DHT-6) by the British Standard (BS EN ISO 6505-1:2014). Specimens were prepared by incorporating cerium and silicon into the Cu-30%Zn alloy at concentrations of 0.1wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.5wt%, 1.0wt%, 3.0wt% 5.0wt% ranging from 0.1% to 5.0%, with increments of 0.2% for micro addition and 2.0% for macro addition. Microstructural analysis was performed using an L2003A reflected light metallurgical microscope. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were also utilized to characterize the cast specimens. The findings revealed a proportional increase in tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness strength with the rise in dopant concentrations up to 3.0wt% for cerium and silicon. Also, the analysis uncovered the presence of. primary α-phase, β-phase (intermetallic phases), and fine stable phase. These phase modifications contributed to the enhancement of mechanical properties. Cu-30wt%Zn enriched with 3.0% cerium and silicon demonstrated heightened tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness, making it a recommended choice for engineering applications.

Keywords:

Published on: Jul 10, 2024 Pages: 45-51

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-3492.000061
CrossMark Publons Harvard Library HOLLIS Search IT Semantic Scholar Get Citation Base Search Scilit OAI-PMH ResearchGate Academic Microsoft GrowKudos Universite de Paris UW Libraries SJSU King Library SJSU King Library NUS Library McGill DET KGL BIBLiOTEK JCU Discovery Universidad De Lima WorldCat VU on WorldCat