Microstructure of Al-Si-Mg alloy with Zr/Hf additions during solidification and solution treatment

In this study,the morphology,composition and evolution of intermetallics in Al-7Si-0.3Mg,Al-7Si-0.3Mg-0.47Hf,Al-7Si-0.3Mg-0.16 Zr and Al-7Si-0.3Mg-0.14Zr-0.44Hf alloys were characterized by optical microscope(OM),scanning electron microscope(SEM)with energy-dispersive spectrometer(EDS) and transmission electron microscope(TEM).The AlSiZr,AlSiHf and AlSiZrHf phases are formed with additions of Zr and/or Hf in base alloy during solidification,especially the AlZrHf primary particles.The three-dimensional morphology of the AlZrHf particle evolves from 10-polyhedron-like to compressed cube-like during solidification.The new AlZrHf phase experiences partial dissolution after solution treatment,while the others remain in the initial morphology.High Si contents lead to form thermally stable Zr/Hfrich precipitates in Zr/Hf-containing alloys during solution treatment,especially the nanobelt-like SiZr,SiHf and Si(Zr,Hf) precipitates.Particular orientation relationships and the growth mechanism are identified.The finding of the work broadens the elevated temperature application of Al-Si-Mg in modern automotive aluminum engine.