Influence of zirconium on microstructure and damping capacity of ZA27 alloy

To improve the damping capacities of metals and alloys, the microstructure and damping capacities of ZA27 alloy modified by Zr were studied, and the damping capacities at room temperature were measured by using cantilever beam techniques. The experimental results show that Zr can refine the Al-rich primary α phase and improve the damping capacities saliently. Compared with the un-modified one, the damping capacity of ZA27 alloy modified by 0.3 wt%Zr received 90 percent increment. The high damping capacities are attributed primarily to grain refinement and the increasing of phase interfaces.