Characterization of AlSi10Cu2 Aluminium Alloy Manufactured by Centrifugal Casting Route

Experimental research has been carried out regarding the manufacturing of aluminum alloy foams using centrifugal casting method and analysis of the samples so prepared. The work is primarily focused on measurement of parameters of centrifugal method of foam manufacturing and to check the appropriateness of hydrides like TiH
2
and LiAlH
4
as foaming agents. During the manufacturing process, AlSi10Cu2 aluminum alloy is melted at a temperature of 600°C and the release of hydrogen gas is observed for minimum 10% weight (concentration) of Lithium Aluminium Hydride foaming agent. The foaming agent LiAlH
4
is used as an alternatives for the traditional TiH
2
foaming agent with the aid of powder metallurgy route. Subsequent analysis of the foam so produced has been done by visual observation, microstructure observation, X-ray diffraction analysis and SEM image analysis. The SEM analysis of the samples indicates the suitability of the method for aluminium foam formation and the porosity generated using the present method is comparable with that generated using present methods of manufacturing.