A Novel Developed Grain Refiner (Al-Y-B Master Alloys) Using Yttrium and KBF4 Powders

The present work aims to report and discuss the development of a novel grain refiner (Al-Y-B master alloys) focusing on the characterization of the phenomena that exist during their production. Al-Y-B master alloy is produced by the combined employment of yttrium and boron, instead of yttrium or boron individually. It is discovered as a highly effective grain refiner for inoculating the grain size of Al-Si alloys. The crystallized microstructure can be refined though the effect of Y-based intermetallic on heterogeneity nucleus. The Y-based intermetallic is formed in the melts (Al-Y-B master alloy) by the addition of yttrium and KBF4 powers. A approach to produce Al-Y-B master alloys as well as its characterization by means of optical micrographs and SEM is presented. The study is assessed by testing the grain refining potency of the produced Al-Y-B master alloys in binary Al-20Si alloy. It is revealed that the approach employed to produce the Al-Y-B master alloys is suitable because the size of the primary phases is significantly reduced in each of the case investigated.