Study on the aluminum addition to the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-10Zn alloys produced by gravity casting Imam Basori*, Ikhwan Nuur Kahpi Ali, Sirojuddin and Siska Titik Dwiyati
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jl. Rawamangun Muka, Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
*unimam_r_one[at]yahoo.com
Abstract
In this research, the samples of Cu-10Zn-xAl alloys were manufactured by gravity die casting process using Cu, Zn and Al ingots as the feeding materials. The aluminum addition was varied to 1, 2.5, and 4 wt. %, respectively. The as-cast samples with dimension of 100x100x6 mm3 were homogenized at temperature of 800 oC for 2 hours. Samples characterization includes chemical composition analysis, microstructure observation, tensile and hardness testing. The results showed that the addition of Al to the Cu-10Zn alloys significantly affected the microstructure and mechanical properties. The addition of 5.93 wt. % Al promotes the presence of β phase. Furthermore, the addition of Al to the Cu-10Zn alloy tends to increase the tensile strength, elongation and hardness.
Keywords: Brass alloy; Cu-10Zn; aluminum; gravity die casting; homogenization
