The effect of rapid solidification on the microstructure of Al-8 Ce, Al-20 Ce and Al-36.6 Ce (wt%) alloys has been investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A microstructure selection map has been established for the rapidly solidified Al-rich Al-Ce alloys. Rapid solidification has no effect on the phase constitution but has a marked effect on the microstructure of the Al-8 Ce and Al-20 Ce alloys. For the Al-36.6 Ce alloy, however, rapid solidification has a significant effect on both the microstructure and the phase constitution. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.