Morphology modification of Mg2Si by Sr addition in Mg-4%Si alloy

A modification of Mg2Si in the hypereutectic Mg-4%Si alloy (mass fraction) with Sr was investigated. Two types of Mg2Si in the alloys were found: polygonal primary Mg2Si and Chinese script type eutectic Mg2Si. Adding Al-10% Sr master alloy to the Mg-4% Si alloy clearly reduced the average size of primary Mg2Si and changed the morphology of eutectic Mg2Si from Chinese script type to polyhedral or fine fibre shape. The refinement of primary Mg2Si is mainly attributed to the heterogeneous nucleation mechanism induced by the Sr-rich particles. The modification of eutectic Mg2Si results from the dissolved Sr, which alters the preferred growth manner of the eutectic.