Effect of Zr, Sc, Mn and Cr Additions on Hardening of Al-Ca-Ce (-Ni) System Alloys
摘要
Developing advanced heat-resistant aluminum alloys is crucial for high-performance applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. This study explores the impact of alloying elements (Zr, Mn, Sc, and Cr) on the microstructure, thermal stability, and casting and mechanical properties of Al-Ca-Ce and Al-Ca-Ce-Ni alloys. A microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that Sc-, Zr-, and Mn-containing intermetallics significantly enhanced the thermal stability of Al-Ca-Ce alloys, making them suitable for heat-resistant applications. The alloying with Sc and Cr in Al-Ca-Ce-Ni systems leads to reinforcement during annealing through L12 particle formation, eliminating the need for additional hardening processes. A comparative analysis revealed that the alloying of Mn and Ni resulted in casting properties similar to those of industrial silumin A356.0, with excellent castability and low hot tearing tendencies, making the proposed alloys suitable for innovative casting processes and technologies. Compression tests at 300°C demonstrated that these alloys exceeded the heat resistance of industrial silumin 385.0, while maintaining high deformation plasticity. The findings establish a foundation for the development of novel, high-tech, heat-resistant aluminum alloys, offering a promising alternative to current industrial silumins.