Ternary diagram of Cu-Zn-Ni alloy fabricated by casting process

The metal alloy manufacturing industry attempts to optimize production by reducing casting energy consumption, the environmental impact of the large use of casting energy consumption in increased CO2 and air pollution. Ternary diagram analysis is intended to develop the completion of production process optimization to obtain the suitable composition and temperature in the Cu-Zn-Ni alloy casting process. This study aims to analyze the impact of Cu-Zn-Ni alloys on the characteristics, mechanical properties, and energy efficiency in the casting process of alloy materials described in ternary diagrams and SEM test results, hardness, and XRD. This experimental research method casts Cu-Zn alloys by adding 1 to 4% nickel. The casting process uses an electric furnace with a temperature below 1000 ° C with a melting time of 2 to 3 hours. The casting process of CuZnNi alloy is capable of Zn element at the addition of 1% nickel: 30.48; 2%: 30.20; 3%: 30.01, and 4%: 28.72, occurs with a decrease in casting energy from a temperature of more than 1000 °C to 978 °C, and the hardness increases with the addition of elemental nickel. The SEM test results prove the shrinking grain size of the CuZn1%Ni alloy and crystal structure pattern showing FCC and BCC phases on the alloy. Ternary diagrams can visualize the composition of each element and the melting temperature of each alloy that can be melted below the melting point, giving a casting energy efficiency level of about 500 °C. Cu-Zn-Ni alloys fabricated by the casting process can be described in ternary diagrams for composition, phase, and melting temperature so that alloys that are efficient against casting energy and have good mechanical properties can be produced. This research obtained the proportion of composition, phase, and characteristics of alloys through ternary diagrams and the energy efficiency of the casting process of Cu-Zn-Ni alloys.