Research on Distribution and Morphology of Primary Si Under the Effect of Direct Current

A source of pure silicon was added into an alloy refining system during a refining process with the application of a direct electric current. The effect of the temperature difference between the graphite electrodes and the alloy was decreased. The temperature increase value (ΔT) of the Al-28.51wt.%Si alloy sample caused by Joule heating was calculated by weighing the mass of primary silicon. When the current density was 5.0×105 A/m2, the overall temperature increase in the alloy was about 90°C regardless of the alloy composition. Adequate silicon atoms recorded the footprint of the electric current in the alloy melt. The flow convection generated by the electric current in the melt during the solidification process resulted in the refinement of primary silicon. The Fe impurity content in alloy refining without the electric current density was 2.16 ppm. However, it decreased to 1.27 ppmw with the application of an electric current density of 5.0×105 A/m2.