Effect of rare earth Ce addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al–Cu–Mg–Ag alloy

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 352; no. 1; pp. 84 - 88
• Main Authors: Xiao, D.H., Wang, J.N., Ding, D.Y., Yang, H.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 24-03-2003; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aluminum alloys; Cerium; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Electron, ion, and scanning probe microscopy; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical and acoustical properties of condensed matter; Mechanical properties; Mechanical properties of solids; Microstructure; Physics; Structure of solids and liquids; crystallography; Transmission, reflection and scanning electron microscopy(including ebic); Tribology and hardness; Cerium; Mechanical properties; Aluminum alloys; Microstructure; Quaternary alloys; Magnesium alloys; Experimental study; Precipitation hardening; Tensile strength; Thermal stability; Transmission electron microscopy; Aluminium alloys; DSC; Copper alloys; Cerium additions; Silver alloys; Transition element alloys
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/S0925-8388(02)01162-3

The precipitation hardening response, microstructure and mechanical properties of three Al–Cu–Mg–Ag based alloys containing 0, 0.20 and 0.45 (wt%) Ce were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It is shown that increasing Ce content from 0 to 0.45 wt% increased the tensile strength at all test temperatures up to 350
°C. The high strength of the alloys with Ce is attributed to the high density and high thermal stability of fine Ω precipitates.