LAUSR

Abstract The growth behavior of intermetallic compounds in confined spaces is an interesting research topic as it may differ from conventional growth models. In this work, an Al–15Al2O3 master alloy rod was inserted into an Al–33.2Cu melt. After holding at the selected temperature 640°C, the rod keeps still in the melt, while Cu atoms diffuse inwards the rod. During the cooling process, wormlike coarse Al2Cu particles were achieved inside the rod. It is regarded that due to the restriction effect of γ–Al2O3 particle clusters the as–constituted confined spaces act as barriers for the growth of Al2Cu.