Determination of thermal properties of ternary Al-La-Ni cast alloy

Abstract

In current work, thermal conductivity, enthalpy of fusion, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity of the Al-8.8La-1.2Ni cast alloy has been investigated. Chemical element analysis of the studied alloy was determined with X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) and SEM microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Thermal conductivity of ascast Al-8.8La-1.2Ni alloy was measured using comparison cut bar method in the temperature range of 308–773 K. Thermal conductivity values decreased gradually in the studied alloy with the increase of temperature. The thermal temperature coefficient was calculated from the thermal conductivity-temperature graph. The heat flow-temperature curve was obtained by performing Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Enthalpy of fusion and specific heat values were also determined. Thermal diffusivity values were calculated as a function of temperature using the relevant equation. It was determined that the thermal diffusivity values increased with increasing temperature.