The effect of Y2O3 on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the hypereutectic Al-20%Si(mass fraction) alloy was investigated. The results show that, with the addition of Y2O3 into the Al-P-Ti-TiC modifier, the average size of primary silicon in th.e Al-20%Si alloy modified by Al-P-Ti-TiC-Y2O3 modifier (approximately 15μm or less) is significantly reduced, and the morphology of eutectic silicon changes from coarse acicular and plate like to refined fibrous. The Brinell hardness (HB189) and tensile strength (301 MPa) of Al-20%Si alloy modified by the Al-P-Ti-TiC-Y2O3 increase by 11.6% and 10.7%, respectively, for the alloys afrer heat treatment.