Crystal morphology of massive eutectic silicon in unmodified Al-Si eutectic

Abstract

We describe crystallographic observations of the silicon phase in massive eutectic crystallization of an aluminum-silicon alloy, formed by very slow directional growth under a steep temperature gradient. The silicon particles examined were twinned, and their growth crystallography conformed with two distinct mechanisms of TPRE crystal growth. Thus, the TPRE growth mechanism can play a significant part in massive eutectic growth in this system, but it is not assumed to be essential.