Halo Evolution of Hypereutectic Al-17.5Si Alloy Treated with High-Current Pulsed Electron Beam

Halo evolution of an Al-17.5Si alloy surface after treatment with increasing pulse numbers of a high-current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) was investigated. A halo is a ring microstructure resembling a bull’s eye. SEM results indicate that the nanocrystallization of halo induced by HCPEB treatment leads to gradual diffusion of the Si phase. Multiple pulses numbers cause the Si phase to be significantly refined and uniformly distributed. In addition, nanosilicon particles with a grain size of 30~100 nm were formed after HCPEB treatment, as shown by TEM observation. XRD results indicate that Si diffraction peaks broadened after HCPEB treatment. The microhardness tests demonstrate that the microhardness at the midpoint from the halo edge to center decreased sharply from 9770.7 MPa at 5 pulses to 2664.14 MPa at 25 pulses. The relative wear resistance of a 15-pulse sample is effectively improved by a factor of 6.5, exhibiting optimal wear resistance.