Morphological and crystallographic characterization of solidified Al–3Ti–1B master alloy under a high magnetic field

Al–3Ti–1B master alloy solidified under a high magnetic field was morphologically and crystallographically characterized. The results showed that sedimentary deposit layers consisting of α-Αl grains, Al3Ti and TiB2 compounds form in the lower parts of the specimens whether or not the magnetic field is applied. However, the layer thicknesses and α-Al grain sizes are increased with the increase of the magnetic flux densities. Furthermore, the Al3Ti compound reveals small tabular, long bar-like and dendritic forms whether or not the magnetic field is applied. The tabular crystals are bound by large {001} and lateral {101} planes. The long bars show two preferential growth directions of <100> and <110>, whereas the dendritic crystal has only one of <110>. In addition, when the magnetic field is applied, both the long bars and the tabular crystals show a regular alignment, as well as a <110> preferential orientation.