Abstract
In this work, the dispersion behavior of $Y_2O_3$ particles in binary aluminum (Al)-copper (Cu) cast alloy was investigated with respect to Cu contents of 20 (hypoeutertic), 33 (eutectic) and 40 (hypereutectic) wt.%. In cases of hypo and hypereutectic compositions, SEM images revealed that the primary Al and ${\theta}$ phases were grown up at the beginning, respectively, and thereafter the eutectic phase was solidified. In addition, it was found that some of $Y_2O_3$ particles can be dispersed into the primary Al phase, but none of them are is observed inside the primary 6 phase. This different dispersion behavior of $Y_2O_3$ particles is probably due to the difference in the val- ues of specific gravity between $Y_2O_3$ particles and primary phases. At eutectic composition, $Y_2O_3$ particles were well dispersed in the matrix since there is few primary phases acting as an impediment site for particle dispersion during solidification. Based on the experimental results, it is concluded that $Y_2O_3$ particles are mostly dispersed into the eutectic phase in binary Al-Cu alloy system.
