The microstructure, size, elemental composition and hardness of the surface eutectic layer formed during directional solidification of a Ni-based single crystal superalloy were studied. The formation mechanisms of the surface eutectic on the outer surface of the casting were also discussed. The metal/mould interactions did not play any role in the formation of the surface eutectic. The formation cause of surface eutectic layer was attributed to the interdendritic residual liquid for excretion caused by solidi？cation shrinkage.
