Effect of cooling rate and eutectic modification on texture and grain structure of Al-Si-Cu-Mg die cast alloy

Abstract

The effect of cooling rate and eutectic modification on texture evolution and grain structure of an Al-Si-Cu-Mg die cast alloy were investigated using optical microscopy (OM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques. Directional solidification technique was utilized to produce as-cast specimens having low level of casting defects with controlled microstructural scale: specimens with average SDAS of 10 and 25 µm. Mode of solidification, cooling rate and eutectic modification did not induce any significant texture in the microstructure. An increase in cooling rate resulted in reduction grain size. High degree of grains orientation randomness was found in high cooling rate regardless of modification treatment