Effect of a high gradient magnetic field on the distribution of the solute Si and the morphology of the primary Si phase

Effect of a high gradient magnetic field on the distribution of the solute Si and the primary Si phase in the Al–18 wt.% Si alloy has been investigated. It has been found that a high gradient magnetic field is capable of separating the solute Si and the primary Si phase from matrix. Moreover, the field also affects the shape of the primary Si phase; indeed, the field has refined the primary Si phase and caused the morphological transition from flake to grain.