Study of the Effect of Er on the Homogenization of 6061 Twin-Roll Casting Sheet

The twin-roll casting (TRC) method was used to prepare 6061 plates with a content of 0.4 wt.% Er. The refining influence of Er on the homogenization process of the 6061 plates was studied by means of metallographic observation, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy spectrum analysis. The results show that during the homogenization process, Mg2Si dissolves, and Si can be easily combined with Er to form the AlSiEr eutectic compound, and the refining effect is significant. The addition of Er can obviously promote the homogenization process of the 6061 TRC plates and shorten its duration from 12 to 6 h. The nanoscale Al3Er second phase dispersedly precipitates in the matrix and gives rise to pinning dislocations and subgrain boundaries, which improve the comprehensive properties of the 6061 TRC plates after homogenization. After homogenization, the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation increased by 22.66 MPa, 17.64 MPa, and 4.91%, respectively, compared with those of the 6061 cast-rolled plate without Er.

Automated summary

The addition of Er in the twin-roll cast 6061 aluminum plates can significantly promote the homogenization process, refining the grain structure and improving the comprehensive properties of the plates.