LAUSR

Abstract By introducing Al–(Si–)Zr alloys into Mg melt, the evolution process of Zr–rich intermetallics was studied. Through the outside diffusion of Si from ZrSi 2 and inside diffusion of Mg atoms, ZrSi 2 phase was detected to evolve to SiZr and finally to MgSiZr. Along with this process, the dense particles disintegrate into smaller parts. Similar evolution behavior of Zr(Al,Si) 3 phase was also found inducing by atom diffusion. However, no obvious change was detected on ZrAl 3 particles in Mg melt. It is supposed that Si plays an important role in the evolution procedure of Zr–rich intermetallics. This work may provide suggestions to obtain designed phases by introducing the alloys with one matrix into another melt.