Alloys for Semi-Solid Processing

The main alloys which have been semi-solid processed commercially are based on aluminium (particularly the cast compositions) and magnesium. There is a strong drive to broaden the range of alloys to the wrought compositions for aluminium, more creep-resistant magnesium recipes and to higher temperature alloys such as those based on copper, steels, stellites and cast irons. This paper will summarise the issues with such development including the scientific and practical issues for alloy design and the thermodynamic prediction of alloys suitable for semi-solid processing. After an initial introduction to semi-solid processing routes, the most important alloy systems for semi-solid processing from a development point of view (aluminium, magnesium, steels and composites- including nanocomposites) will be discussed. The key issues of alloy design specifically for semi-solid processing will be drawn out through the text.