Microstructure formation and interface characteristics of directionally solidified TiAl-Si alloys in alumina crucibles with a new YO skull-aided technology.

The microstructure evolution and interface characteristics of a directionally solidified Ti-43Al-3Si (at.%) alloy in an alumina (AlO) crucible with new YO skull-aided technology were investigated. The YO-skull that is in contact with the TiAl-melt is relatively stable, which results in a more controlled reaction between the skull and the melt than in the case of an AlO crucible is used.