Abstract
Alloying is usually a necessary operation before casting, and alloying elements with higher melting point than the melt temperature that typically gives slow dissolution rates. Higher aluminium content in Al-Mn master alloys corresponds to higher dissolution rates. Oxide layers towards the Mn alloy reduce the dissolution rate. Penetration of liquid Al into the Mn alloy structure increases the dissolution rate unless a solid alloy is formed. In this study, approximately 0.5 kg pure aluminium was melted in a 16 kW induction ladle. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to determine the chemistry continuously in the melt as various alloying compositions from 20 to 100% Mn were introduced. The melt temperature was maintained isothermal at temperatures 720, 770, and 800 °C. From the results the dissolution rate for the various Mn alloying elements, in this set-up, is calculated. The results are useful for upscaling precise alloying practises in cast houses.