Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Al-20%Si Containing Cerium

Abstract

In this paper the effect of cerium addition in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys was studied. Casting method was used to produce Al-20Si with variation of Ce contents. The sample characterization studied was investigated by Optical Microscope, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray Diffraction. Vickers microhardness and wear test was carried out to study the influence of Ce towards the Al-20Si alloys. The addition of Ce in the Al-20Si alloys refined the Si primary phase as the Ce content increases. The results showed that the addition of 0.46 to 2.24 wt.% of cerium in Al-20Si alloys led to the formation of fine cells dispersed in the Al-matrix. These fine cells consist of a mixture of eutectic Si particles and intermetallic Al3Ce and CeAl1.2Si0.8 phase in Al matrix. The amount of rod- like intermetallic Al3Ce and CeAl1.2Si0.8 phase increases with increasing Ce content. The microhardness of Al-20Si alloys increases with the increase in Ce content. Addition of Ce up to 1.61wt.% Ce improve the wear properties of Al-20Si alloy.