First-Principles Study of the Structural, Mechanical and Thermodynamic Properties of Al11RE3 in Aluminum Alloys

The stability and mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Al11RE3 intermetallics (RE = Sc, Y and lanthanide La-Lu) have been investigated by combining first-principles and Debye model calculations. It was found that the formation enthalpies of the Al11RE3 intermetallics are all negative, indicating that they are stable; moreover, the experimental values of Al11La3 and Al11Ce3 are in good agreement with the predicted values, which are -0.40 kJ/mol and -0.38 kJ/mol, respectively. The calculated results of the mechanical properties reveal that the Young's modulus E and shear modulus G of Al11RE3 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd and Sm) intermetallics are obviously greater than that of Al, implying that the stiffness, toughness, and tensile strength of them are significantly greater than those of aluminum, and that they, as strengthen phases, can effectively improve the mechanical property of aluminum alloys. The Poisson's ratio v of Al11Sc3 (0.37) is the largest, and the heterogeneity is obvious. All the Al11RE3 intermetallics can enhance the thermostability of the aluminum because of their lower Gibbs free energy F in the range of -5.002 similar to-4.137 eV/atom and thermal expansion coefficient alpha of Al in the range of 2.34 similar to 2.89 x 10(-5)/K at 300K, as well as higher entropy and constant volume-specific heat than aluminum at finite temperatures. With an increase in the atomic number, different change trends were observed for the formation enthalpy Delta H-f, bulk modulus B, Young's modulus E, and shear modulus G. This paper can provide ideas and help for designing a high-performance, heat-resistant aluminum alloy.

Automated summary

In this study, the stability, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Al11RE3 intermetallics (RE = Sc, Y and lanthanide La-Lu) were investigated using first-principles and Debye model calculations. It was found that the Al11RE3 intermetallics were stable, with negative formation enthalpies. The mechanical properties of these intermetallics, such as Young's modulus and shear modulus, were significantly greater than that of aluminum, indicating their potential to enhance the mechanical property of aluminum alloys. The Al11RE3 intermetallics also exhibited improved thermostability compared to aluminum due to their lower Gibbs free energy, higher entropy, and constant volume-specific heat at finite temperatures. The findings of this study can contribute to the design of high-performance, heat-resistant aluminum alloys.