Effects of Vanadium on Modification of Iron-Rich Intermetallics and Mechanical Properties in A356 Cast Alloys with 1.5 wt.% Fe

Formation of Fe-rich intermetallics and mechanical properties of vanadium-modified A356 cast alloys with 1.5 wt.% Fe were investigated using image analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and a tensile test. The results showed that V content has no apparent influence on α-Al grain size in A356 alloys with high Fe content. Also, 0.8 wt.% V is beneficial for improving mechanical properties in A356 cast alloys with high Fe content. Specifically, these results can be attributed to the formation of Chinese script or block α-Fe phases, refined needle-like β-Fe (Al5FeSi), and decreased porosities. An excessive amount of V deteriorates mechanical properties of alloys because it leads to VSi2 formation, large sized iron-rich intermetallics, and increased porosities.