INVESTIGATION OF SUPERPLASTIC BEHAVIOR OF CERTAIN (Zn – Al) ALLOYS

Abstract

Super plasticity behavior finds applications in so many fields, for example the aerospace
manufacturing that is the main bazaar for super plasticity, but automotive, medical, sports,
cookware and architectural applications have their share too. "In this work a study of the
superplastic behavior of a new Zn-Al alloy was conducted. In addition to the investigation of
the possible superplastic behavior of Zn-0.5Al alloy. These alloys were prepared by using
gravity and chill casting techniques. Zn-0.5Al alloy was subjected to hot rolling at 250 ºC
and cold rolling at room temperature, while Zn-48Al alloy was also hot rolled at 250 ºC to
20% reduction in the thickness of sample followed by partial remelting at 500 ºC. Several
tests were carried out such as physical, mechanical and chemical which include (XRF, XRD,
OP, SEM, Microhardness (HV) and Tensile (cold, hot) test). Results showed that the"Zn-
0.5Al alloy has poor mechanical properties and may not be regarded as a superplastic alloy
compared with Zn-48Al alloy. The Zn-48Al alloy generally enhanced all properties. The
maximum elongation of (450%) was obtained in Zn-48Al alloy after thermomechanical
controlling process and partial remelting.