Effect of scandium on the structure and properties of aluminum alloys

It is shown that the addition of scandium considerably influences the structure and properties of aluminum and its alloys. Scandium is the strongest inoculant of the cast grain structure of aluminum alloys, the strongest suppressor of recrystallization, and the strongest hardener (per 0.1% of the additive). The addition of zirconium intensifies and stabilizes the action of scandium. Commercial aluminum alloys alloyed with scandium and zirconium and a technology for fabricating deformed semiproducts from them are presented. The combination of operating properties of scandium-bearing aluminum alloys is substantially superior to that of traditional aluminum alloys.