The influence of intensive shearing above liquidus on the solidification process microstructural evolution, and its effect on the final microstructure for the Al-10 wt% Mg alloy were investigated and discussed thoroughly. The effect of shearing was explored and was compared with non-sheared samples. The effects of relaxation (holding melt after shearing) and relaxation with addition of grain refiners on the microstructural development were also examined. Experimental results suggest that shearing above melting point can refine the alloy structure and the level of refinement is increased by increase of shearing temperature. As regards to the relaxation time, it is inferred that shearing is a stable phenomenon and the effect of shearing is retained for a considerable time. Introduction of TiB(2) results in additional, rather stable grain refining; however. with addition of TiC the obtained grain refinement effect disappears. It is suggested that dissolution and chemical reactions of TiC with the melt actually diminish the refinement effect during relaxation time. (C) 2009 Elsevier B V. All rights reserved.48541671807811BCAST teamAlcan CompanyDTI