The modification of electroless deposited Ni–P master alloy for hypereutectic Al–Si alloy

Ni–P alloy with overall composition of 7.0 wt.% phosphorus was fabricated via electroless plating on substrate of aluminum foil. The effects of this Ni–P master alloy on the modification and the processing for hypereutectic Al–20 wt.%Si alloy have been investigated. Primary silicon of hypereutectic alloy can be refined sufficiently by adding this Ni–P master alloy with total amount of 0.008 wt.% phosphorus above 800 °C. There is no phosphorus burning loss during fabrication of hypereutectic Al–Si alloy modifier by electroless deposition, and environment pollution is reduced. Refinement of primary silicon can be achieved with less addition and a shorter time of processing by use of this electroless deposited Ni–P master alloy as modifier.