Solidified structure and solute segregation in Al2O3/A356-La alloy composites

Al2O3/A356-La alloy composites were fabricated by squeeze casting, and the effects of La on the solidified structure and the solute segregation during alloy solidification were studied. The results indicate that the structure of the matrix alloy becomes fine and small by the addition of La. La has been richened at the interface to help improve the wettability between the fiber and Al alloy, but there are no intermetallic compounds richening La found at the interface yet. There is no special influence of La on the Mg segregation in the matrix alloy. The distribution of Mg and La in the composites has been at the same position-near the interface.