Efficient Degassing of M174 Heat-Resistant Aluminum Alloy Melts via Vacuum Filtration Technology

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Researchers at Dalian Jiaotong University have made significant strides in developing a novel vacuum filtration technology to efficiently degas M174 heat-resistant aluminum alloy melts. By employing a vacuum-filter coupling process, the team has demonstrated a substantial reduction in porosity and oxygen content, resulting in improved mechanical properties. The breakthrough has far-reaching implications for the production of high-purity aluminum alloys. A systematic evaluation of vacuum levels and foam ceramic filter porosity (PPI) values revealed that the optimal combination of 0.5 kPa vacuum and 20 ppi filtration achieved the lowest porosity volume fraction, representing an 80% reduction compared to untreated samples. SEM-EDS analysis confirmed that the method effectively removes oxygen and improves element distribution uniformity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers applied a vacuum-filter coupling process to purify M174 heat-resistant aluminum alloy melt, achieving a significant reduction in porosity and oxygen content.
  • The combination of 0.5 kPa vacuum and 20 ppi filtration resulted in the lowest porosity volume fraction, representing an 80% reduction compared to untreated samples.
  • SEM-EDS analysis confirmed that bubbles preferentially nucleate on inclusion surfaces and are adsorbed during filtration, effectively removing oxygen and improving element distribution uniformity.
  • Tensile tests demonstrated that the optimized process increased tensile strength and elongation by 11 MPa and 14%, respectively, compared to the reference group.
  • The research offers theoretical support for high-purity melt preparation and purification, presenting an industrializable solution for high-purity aluminum alloy production.
  • The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Dalian Science & Technology Innovation Foundation Project.
  • The research team, led by Junwen Li, includes Yining Bian, Wei Zhou, Renguo Guan, and Xuan Wang.

Statistics:

  • 80% reduction in porosity volume fraction achieved through the optimized vacuum-filtration process.
  • 11 MPa increase in tensile strength compared to the reference group.
  • 14% increase in elongation compared to the reference group.
  • 102 ppm reduction in oxygen difference between the top and bottom of the ingot after treatment.
  • 0.289 cm3/100 g lowest porosity volume fraction achieved through the optimized vacuum-filtration process.

Sources:

  • Research On Efficient Degassing of M174 Heat-resistant Aluminum Alloy Melts Based On Vacuum Filtration Technology. Vacuum, 2025;241.
  • Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd. The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Vacuum - www.journals.elsevier.com/vacuum/)
  • NewsRx. Investigators from Dalian Jiaotong University Target Chemicals and Chemistry (Research On Efficient Degassing of M174 Heat-resistant Aluminum Alloy Melts Based On Vacuum Filtration Technology). Journal of Engineering. November 3, 2025; p 1355.