Microstructural and mechanical properties of Al-20%Si containing cerium

In this paper the effect of cerium addition in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys was studied. Casting method was used to produce Al-20Si with variation of Ce contents. The sample characterization studied was investigated by Optical Microscope, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray Diffraction. Vickers microhardness and wear test was carried out to study the influence of Ce towards the Al-20Si alloys. The addition of Ce in the Al-20Si alloys refined the Si primary phase as the Ce content increases. The results showed that the addition of 0.46 to 2.24 wt.% of cerium in Al-20Si alloys led to the formation of fine cells dispersed in the Al-matrix. These fine cells consist of a mixture of eutectic Si particles and intermetallic Al3Ce and CeAl1.2Si0.8 phase in Al matrix. The amount of rodlike intermetallic Al3Ce and CeAl1.2Si0.8 phase increases with increasing Ce content. The microhardness of Al-20Si alloys increases with the increase in Ce content. Addition of Ce up to 1.61 wt.% Ce improve the wear properties of Al-20Si alloy. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.