Influence of Rare Earth and Fe Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-B Alloy

In this study, changes in the microstructure, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity of as-cast and as-extruded Al-B based alloys with the addition of Fe and rare earth (RE) were investigated. The melted aluminum alloy was maintained at 750 degrees C and then poured into a mould at 200 degrees C. Aluminum alloys were hot-extruded into a rod that was 12 mm in thickness with a reduction ratio of 39:1. The addition of Fe and RE resulted in the formation of Al11RE3 and Al3Fe intermetallic compounds and the area fraction of these intermetallic compounds increased with increasing Fe and RE contents. As the amount of Fe and RE increased, the average grain size of the extruded Al alloy decreased to 798.6, 196.1, and 21.9 mu m, and the high-angle grain boundaries fraction increased to 24.8, 27.9, and 60.7%. In the case of cast materials, low electrical conductivity was shown by porosity and fine casting defects. As the Fe and RE contents increased, the electrical conductivity of the extruded Al-B alloy decreased to 62.3, 59.6 and 55.0% International Annealed Copper Standard. As the Fe and RE content increased the ultimate tensile strength improved from 90.8 to 112.9 MPa which was attributed to the grain refinement and formation of Al11RE3 and Al3Fe intermetallic compounds by the addition of Fe and RE.

Automated summary

The addition of Fe and RE elements significantly affects the microstructure, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity of the extruded Al-B alloy. With increasing Fe and RE contents, the area fraction of intermetallic compounds increased, grain size decreased, high-angle grain boundaries fraction increased, leading to lower electrical conductivity and improved ultimate tensile strength.