In order to develop cast aluminum alloy material based on Al-Ni eutectic system

effects of Zn

Mg

Cu and Fe elements on microstructure

thermal analysis curves and mechanical properties of Al-Ni alloys were comparatively investigated by sand casting and squeeze casting.The results indicate that Al

2

Mg

3

Zn

3

and MgZn

2

phases with great aging strengthening effect are formed from Zn and Mg

without reacting with Ni to form any new second phases yet

while Cu and Fe can react with Ni to form a large number of Al

3

CuNi phase and Al

9

FeNi phases respectively.The amounts of eutectic phases are decreased due to the addition of Zn

Mg

and Cu

broadening the solidification interval and reducing the casting performances

while the addition of Fe has the contrary effect.Moreover

Zn and Mg are the most effective strengthening elements in Al-Ni alloys

which are superior to Cu and Fe from comparative analysis of mechanical properties.