Effect of Nd on primary silicon and eutectic silicon in hypereutectic Al–Si alloy

Abstract: In the present study, the effect of Nd on primary silicon and eutectic silicon in hypereutectic Al-20wt.%Si alloy has been investigated. It has been concluded that Nd in Al–P–Ti–TiC–Nd modifier can modify not only eutectic silicon but also primary silicon in hypereutectic Al-20wt.%Si alloy. Statistical analysis shows that primary and eutectic silicon crystallite sizes (approximately 60μm and 40μm in length, respectively) in modified Al-20wt.%Si alloy with Al–P–Ti–TiC modifier are about seven- and two-times larger than those (approximately 22μm and 18μm in length, respectively) in modified Al-20wt.%Si alloy with Al–P–Ti–TiC–Nd modifier, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]