Distribution and segregation of solute in Al2O3 short fiber reinforced Al-5%Cu alloy containing La by squeeze casting

Al2O3 short fiber reinforced La-bearing Al-5%Cu alloy was fabricated by squeeze casting, and the solidified structure and the solute segregation during alloy solidification were studied. The results indicated that La has been enriched near the interface which is favorable to improve the wettability between the fiber and Al alloy, but the RE-rich phase was not formed at the interface. At the end of the solidification of the composites, the change of the solute in the surplus liquid phase results in the type of matrix alloy being changed because of the selective crystallization, and the segregation at the interface is finally formed. There is no special influence by La on the Cu segregation in the matrix alloy.