Thermal properties and microstructure of Al–Sn alloys

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Date

2024

Authors

Manasijević, Dragan
Balanović, Ljubiša
Marković, Ivana
Gorgievski, Milan
Stamenković, Uroš
Kovačević, Avram

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier Ltd.

Source

Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids

Volume

195

Issue

Abstract

The Al–Sn alloys feature excellent wear and corrosion resistance, along with good mechanical properties. They are mostly used as bearing materials. However, the application of these alloys as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage (TES) has recently been suggested. To assess the adequacy of these alloys in a given area, a detailed evaluation of their thermal properties is required. In the present study, Al–Sn alloys with 11.7, 22.4, 32.8, 41.1, and 53.4 at.% Sn were produced by melting of pure metals. The melt was continuously stirred to avoid segregation, after which casting was carried out in a stainless steel mold. The obtained ingots had a homogeneous microstructure without the appearance of cracks and pores. The thermal diffusivities of the solid Al–Sn alloys in the temperature interval 25–150 ◦C were measured using the light flash method. The densities at room temperature were measured by the Archimedes method, and the specific heat capacities at different temperatures were calculated using the calculation of phase diagrams (CALPHAD) method. Then the thermal conductivities for studied Al–Sn alloys were obtained by the specific conversion equation. The phase transition temperatures and related heat effects were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Variations of thermal conductivity with composition and temperature were determined as well as variation of latent heat of fusion with alloy composition. Moreover, the microstructures and phase compositions of the alloys were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The present research results provide important information on the thermal properties and microstructure of the Al–Sn alloys for designing new PCM for thermal energy storage.

Description

Keywords

Al–Sn alloys, Microstructure, Phase change alloy, Latent heat, Thermal conductivity

Citation

DOI

10.1016/j.jpcs.2024.112297

Scopus

ISSN

1879-2553
0022-3697

ISBN

License

ARR

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