Microsegregation Effect of Copper in Solidification of A356 Alloy

In this study, the microsegregation effect of copper during solidification of A356.2 aluminum casting alloy was evaluated by using solidification simulation and a series of experimental works. Electron probe micro analysis (EPMA) and the computational simulation revealed clearly that copper as a solute element segregates during solidification and it becomes more significant as the solidification approaches its completion. This microsegregation effect of copper is due to accumulated copper solute ahead of the eutectic interface during solidification. Consequently, the presence of a higher content of copper in A356.2 aluminum casting alloy causes influence on the solidification characteristics of the alloy and forms copper enriched phases at the last region to solidify in the microstructures.