Influence of ultrasonic treatment on the microstructure of hypereutectic Al-17 wt.%Si alloys

The effect of ultrasonic melt treatment (UST) on the microstructure of hypereutectic Al-17 wt.% Si alloys was investigated. UST applied to a melt at a temperature range of 750-800 °C refines the primary Si dramatically but has little influence on the grain size of primary Al. The solidification behaviour was characterised by thermal analysis and a mechanism responsible for the primary Si refinement was suggested. Whilst UST has no effect on the grain refinement, a significant increase in the matrix hardness as well as the tensile strength in the as cast condition is possibly associated with solid solution hardening. Detailed microstructure analysis was carried out and characteristics of the intermetallic formation in the Al-17 wt.% Si alloys were further discussed in the view point of Cu solubility in the Al matrix, which is considered to increase with UST.