Modification of Al–Si alloys with Ba, Ca, Y and Yb

Modification of Al–Si alloys is known to result in a depression of the eutectic arrest temperature. It has been suggested that a larger depression is related to increased modification. The effects of different concentrations of separate additions of Ba, Ca, Y and Yb on the eutectic arrest in an A356.0 (Al–7%Si–Mg) alloy have been studied by thermal analysis. All of these elements cause a depression of the eutectic arrest, however Ba and Ca result in fibrous eutectic Si while Y and Yb result in a refined plate-like eutectic silicon. Analysis of the effects of the elements on eutectic nucleation and growth temperatures and the recalescence shows two different trends. Addition of Ba and Yb both causes linear changes with increased concentration, while addition of Ca and Y result in an instantaneous effect with the first addition and no further significant changes with increased concentration.