Abstract: Optical microscope and scanning electron microscope were used to observe the microstructure of the Al-11.6%Si and Al-11.6%Si-0.4%Mg alloys and the morphology of the massive silicon particles. It is found that the massive silicon phase, observed in the unfully modified alloys with 0.010%Sr, disappears completely in the alloys fully modified with 0.020%Sr. The serrations and reentrant edges shown in the massive silicon particles with the conventional casting indicate that the TPRE mechanism plays an important role in the growth of the massive silicon phase. The ripples and steps suggest that the "lateral microscopic growth" may be another operating mechanism.

Key words: Al-Si alloy, Massive silicon, Microstructure, Growth mechanism