LAUSR

Abstract We reported an investigation of super-gravity field assisted homogenization and refinement of eutectic Si in Al–Si alloy. Our results indicated that the super-gravity could intensify the convection and greatly promote the refining effect of the conventional modifier during solidification. The orientation relationship of the eutectic Si with respect to Al matrix is adopted [ 1 ( _ ) 12]Al//[ 1 ( _ ) 12]Si. The high density of sub-micron eutectic Si (∼0.5 μm in length, ∼0.2 μm in width) could be achieved via the combination of the sodium salt modifier and super-gravity field, which resulted in the significant enhancement of the Vickers hardness (∼52%).