Structure and properties of calcium and strontium treated Al–7Si–0.3Mg alloy: A comparison

The modification effect of Ca on the structure and properties of Al–7Si–0.3Mg alloy has been investigated and compared with the well-known modifier, Sr. The optimum level of Ca for achieving modification and best mechanical properties lies in the range of 0.0085–0.017%. Higher amount of Ca than this level leads to the formation of higher porosity and Al–Ca–Si intermetallics. Sr shows more porosity than Ca at 0.018% level in the alloy. The properties obtained with Ca modification are at par with those obtained with the well-known modifier, Sr.