On the Modification of Hypereutectic Al-15Si Alloy Using Rare Earth Ce

Abstract

Hypereutectic Al-15Si (wt pct) alloys with various content of rare earth Ce were prepared by conventional casting technique. The influence of the primary silicon phase and eutectic silicon on the solidification process of hypereutectic Al-15Si alloys with the addition of Ce is presented. The microstructures were examined with conventional light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The simultaneous refinement of both the primary and the eutectic silicon particles wasntachieved with Ce additions. The results showed that the addition of cerium doesnt cause to refinement of the primary silicon grains, while cerium is caused to stress on concentration regions.The results showed that the addingthe cerium had a negative influence on the alloys tensile strength.