Boron-based refiners: Advantages in semi-solid-metal casting of Al-Si alloys

Inoculation has been studied in the semi-solid-metal (SSM) casting by sole boron addition. By boron addition, the structure is not only refined but also the sphericity of the primary α-Al particles increased. Higher globularity coupled with smaller primary particles leads to superior flow of the billet in the compression test. It is also shown that the dissolved boron in the matrix of the master alloy and AlB2 particles are the key parameters in this evolution.