The relationship between microstructures and refining performances of Al–Ti–C master alloys

Abstract

The influence of producing parameters on the microstructures of Al–Ti–C master alloy has been investigated, it is found that the size, surface characteristic and distribution of TiC particles, as well as the morphology and size of TiAl 3 compounds, are related to the melting temperature and holding time. The relationship between the microstructures and refining performances has also been revealed, and it shows that the grain refining efficiency of Al–Ti–C master alloys largely depends on the surface characteristic, size and distribution of carbides; the TiAl 3 morphologies don't appear to have an essential effect on the refining efficiency of Al–Ti–C master alloys. The Al–Ti–C master alloy, which was manufactured at 1210 °C and 3 min holding time, has an intense grain refining action just similar to Al–Ti–B master alloys, so Al–Ti–C master alloys will substitute Al–Ti–B master alloys in many situations.