Chemical Modification of Iron – Rich Beta Intermetallic Phase in Aluminium-Silicon Alloys: A Short Review

Abstract

Iron-rich intermetallic phases normally form during solidification of aluminium – silicon alloys with low level of iron. This type of phases is known for creating a mechanical properties degradation, especially the beta intermetallic phase (β-Al9Fe2Si2). Various studies and researches have led to mitigate the harmful effect of these phases through physical separation, thermal treatment or microstructure alteration by chemical neutralization such as with Mn addition which changes their structure into cubic alpha phase (α-Al15(Fe,Mn)3Si2). In this paper, the effect of chemical addition was reviewed and discussed in terms of effectiveness of modifying the crystal structure or morphology of beta intermetallic phase