Microstructural refinement of an Al-Ce-Mg alloy via Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion

Journal Article · 26 September 2024 · Materials Science and Engineering. A, Structural Materials: Properties, Microstructure and Processing

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2024.147328 · OSTI ID:2513447

Milligan, Brian  ^[1]; Reza-E-Rabby, Md ^[1]; Schuessler, Benjamin  ^[1]; Roosendaal, Timothy J. ^[1]; Lemmon, Teresa L. ^[1]; Whalen, Scott A. ^[1]

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1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Al-Ce alloys have attracted recent interest because of their high thermal stability due to the low solubility of Ce in the Al matrix. The Al₁₁Ce₃ eutectic phase gives excellent strain hardening behavior and moderate high-temperature strength in the as-cast state. However, its strengthening effect is limited by its coarse as-cast structure. Therefore, alternative manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing or equal channel angular pressing have been applied to refine the Al₁₁Ce₃ phase to good effect. However, these techniques are both expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, this study aims to use Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE), an emerging solid phase processing technique that is more easily scalable than the previously mentioned methods. ShAPE can produce useful cross-sections of an Al-8Ce-4Mg alloy while refining the Al₁₁Ce₃ phase to produce a higher strength material. It was found that a low temperature ShAPE process can improve the room temperature yield strength by ~60 % compared to a binary Al-4Mg alloy. Additionally, the high-temperature yield strength of the Al-Ce alloys increased by 20%, with a simultaneous 15% improvement in ductility compared to the binary Al-Mg alloy. Finally, these results highlight the potential for ShAPE as a processing technique for Al-Ce alloys.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 2513447
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA--202613
• Journal Information: Materials Science and Engineering. A, Structural Materials: Properties, Microstructure and Processing, Journal Name: Materials Science and Engineering. A, Structural Materials: Properties, Microstructure and Processing Vol. 916; ISSN 0921-5093
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English