Modification of Eutectic Si in Hypoeutectic Al-Si Alloys with Erbium Addition

Abstract

Effect of erbium (Er) on the eutectic Si morphologies in hypoeutectic Al-Si based alloys was investigated using thermal analysis and microstructure examination. The microstructural observations show that the addition of Er causes significant modification of the eutectic silicon morphology from a coarse plate-like to a fine fibrous one. Furthermore, the results of thermal analysis reveal that the addition of Er decreased the temperatures of eutectic nucleation and growth, and increased the eutectic undercooling. The eutectic undercooling caused by the presence of Er plays an important role in the modification of eutectic silicon.