Effect of Magnetic Stirring on Microstructures and Properties of Ag–1.5Cu–1.0Y Alloy

The microstructure of alloys is an important factor that affects their application. In this work, the Ag-1.5Cu-1.0Y alloys were prepared by the permanent magnet stirring method at different rates. The secondary dendrite arm spacing, dendritic segregation, density, microhardness, electrical resistivity, and sulfuration corrosion resistance were analyzed to investigate the effects of different rotation speeds on the microstructures and properties of the Ag-1.5Cu-1.0Y alloy. The results showed that the primary dendrite was refined and the secondary dendrite arm spacing decreased with the increase in the stirring rate of the permanent magnets. The Ag-1.5Cu-1.0Y alloys prepared with a 900 r/min stirring rate had the largest microhardness, relatively high density, and the best sulfuration corrosion resistance. However, the stirring rate had little effect on the electrical resistivity of the Ag-1.5Cu-1.0Y alloys. To sum up, the Ag-1.5Cu-1.0Y alloy had the best comprehensive properties when the permanent magnet stirring rate was 900 r/min, including the most refined dendrites, relatively high density, the largest microhardness, and the best sulfuration corrosion resistance. The study of the effects of permanent magnet stirring speed on the microstructures and properties of the Ag-1.5Cu-1.0Y alloy provides an experimental basis for future alloy casting optimization and property improvement of silver-based alloys.