Refining Effect of a New Al3Ti1B1RE Master Alloy on Al Sheets Used for Can Manufacture and Behavior of Rare Earths in Master Alloy

The refining effect of Al3Ti1B1RE master alloy on Al sheets used for pressure can manufacture and the behavior of mixed rare earths in master alloy were investigated with XRD, OM, SEM and EDAX. It is found that the refining effect of the refiner on the material has superiority over foreign or domestic Al5Ti1B refiner, and the refiner still retains its refining ability for 6 h after adding it to molten Al, thus improving the strength and plasticity of the material remarkably. The excellent refining effect and stability of AlTiBRE refiner result from that RE can lower the surface energy of molten Al and improve the wetting characteristics of molten Al on refinement nuclei such as TiAl 3, TiB 2, etc., thus giving full play to the effect of heterogeneous nucleation and impeding the congregating tendency of TiB 2 phase in molten Al. At the same time, RE gathering in front of solid/liquid interface are also easy to cause composition supercooling in molten Al, thus impeding the growth of α Al grains and promoting α Al nucleation on refinement nuclei. In addition, RE also play certain role in purification and grain refinement, or modification, especially their effect of purification can improve the metallurgical quality of AlTiBRE master alloy.

Effect of Rare Earths on Hot Cracking Resistant Property of Mg-Al Alloys

The effect of rare earths （RE） ranging from 0.1% to 1.2%（mass fraction） on hot cracking resistant property of Mg-Al alloys was investigated. The results show that hot cracking resistant property of Mg-Al alloys remarkably declines with an increase of RE addition. The causes of the decline are as follows： First, grain coarsening of Mg-Al alloys caused by RE addition reduces the fracture strain required for hot crack initiation. Second, RE reduces the eutectic microstructure of Mg- Al alloys, and as a result, shortens the time that the feeding channel remains open, making it difficult to feed the alloy. Furthermore, RE elevates the eutectic reaction temperature, which leads to the decrease in the strength of the interdendritic liquid film at the late stage of solidification. Third, when a-Mg dendrites form continuous skeletons, the interdendritic Al11 RE3 phase tends to block the feeding channels and increases the difficulty of feeding. Last, the shrinkage ratio discrepancy between Al11RE3 phases and α-Mg matrix is prone to cause shrinkage stress and promote hot crack initiation.

Effects of Rare Earths and Al on Structure and Performance of High Chromium Cast Iron Containing Wolfram

Effects of RE and Al on the structure, impact toughness, hardness, and wear resistance of high chromium cast iron containing wolfram were investigated. The results show that without modification the volume fraction of austenite is high and the carbide appears to be thick lath and the grain size is relatively large; proper modification using RE combined with Al can reduce volume fraction of residual austenite in the as-cast structure obviously, refine grain size of primary austenite notably, and make the morphology of carbide changing from thick lath to thin lath, rosette, and feather-like modification can also increase hardness, wear resistance and impact toughness of cast iron.

HEAT TREATMENT STRENGTHENING EFFECTS OF RARE EARTHS ON Mg-9Al ALLOY

Mg-9Al-xRE magnesium alloys were studied, where, x is 0, 0.4. 0.8. 1.2 and 1.6% (in weight percent, wt%), respectively. Influence of rare earths (RE) on micro structure. and strength in both T4 (solute heat treatment) and T6 (solute heat treatment and artificial ageing treatment) were investigated. Strength of specimen was tested at ambient temperature. The micro structure was analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis. RE additions improved T4 tensile strength of the treated alloys. Small addition (0.4wt%) of RE greatly improved the strength of ageing treated (T6) Mg-9Al alloy, but further additions caused decreasing.

Rare Earth Metals in Light Alloys

A review of crystallochemical thermodynamic and phase diagram data of Mg RE and Al RE based systems is presented. On the basis also of their possible applications, special attention is given to the Mg rich and Al rich alloys and to the effects of rare earth additions on their properties. A summary of the experimental work carried out by our research group on several binary and ternary alloys is reported: that is Mg RE, Al RE, and Mg RE RE′ and Al RE RE′ with two different rare earth metals. A number of regularities observed in the formation and in the crystallochemistry of binary and ternary Mg rich or Al rich phases are summarised and discussed. Their application to a fine planning of alloys having a well defined structure is suggested.

Effect of Ce-rich rare earth on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-10Zn-5Al-0.1Sb magnesium alloy

To improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of Mg-10Zn-5Al-0.1Sb magnesium alloy, different amount of Ce-rich rare earth （RE） was added to the alloy, and the effect of RE addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-10Zn-5Al-0.1Sb alloy was investigated by means of Brinell hardness measurement, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, energy dispersive spectroscope （EDS） and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The results show that an appropriate amount of Ce-rich rare earth addition can make the AI4Ce phase particles and CeSb phase disperse more evenly in the alloy. These phases refine the alloy＇s matrix and make the secondary phases [τ-Mg32（AI,Zn）49 phase and φ-Al2MgsZn2 phase] finer and more dispersive, therefore significantly improve the mechanical properties of the Mg-10Zn-5AI-0,1Sb alloy. When the RE addition is 1.0 wt.%, the tensile strengths of the alloy both at room temperature and 150℃ reach the maximum values while the impact toughness is slightly lower than that of the matrix alloy. The hardness increases with the increase of RE addition.

Effect of rare earth on B-Al permeating and computer kinetic simulation of permeation layer forming

It was found that rare earth influenced per process of permeation layer forming, and that the tooth of layer was thinner, thicker, straighter and longer by observing permeation layers at different holding times.It was so image, lifelike and audio-visual by computer kinetic simulation that the layer forming could be continuously observed. Because it con forms to reality, the computer kinetic simulation can forecast the layer thickness and it will offer a reasonable permeating technology.

Effect of trace rare earth element Er on high pure Al

The influence of trace Er addition on high pure aluminum was studied by mechanical properties measurement,hardness measurement, optical microscope,transmission electron microscope and energy spectrum analysis. The results show that minor Er in the studied alloy exists in the form of Al 3Er,only a few of Er in α Al based solid solution .Primary Al 3Er particles formed during solidification were often found at the center of aluminum grains and acted as heterogeneous nucleus, also increased the rate of nucleation, therefore the grain are remarkably refined. Trace Er addition to high pure aluminum is able to increase the mechanical properties of high pure Al, which is caused by fine grain strengthening, substructure strengthening and precipitation strengthening. The recrystallization temperature of Er doped aluminum increases above 50 ℃, which is caused by the pinning effect of highly dispersed fine Al 3Er precipitates on dislocations and sub grain boundaries.

Development on research of advanced rare-earth aluminum alloy

The active mechanisms of rare earth element erbium ( Er ) in part of aluminum alloys were investigated. Based on the investigation of the effect of the unitary rare earth elements (Er, La, Y, Ce, Nd, Gd, and Sc) and the transition element zirconium on the aluminum alloys, it is concluded that, with Er alloyed, high purity aluminum and Al Mg alloys are featured with refined grain structure, superior heat stability and even higher hardness or tensile strength with unchanged ductility; but Er is not beneficial to the mechanical property of Al Cu alloy, so is Sc. It may also be concluded, to most of the aluminum alloys, Er can be an effective alloying element, like Sc; and for the lower price of Er, the cost of modifying aluminum alloys by Er will be reduced.

Effect of mixed rare earth oxides and CaCO_3 modification on the microstructure of an in-situ Mg_2Si/Al-Si composite

The effects of mixed rare earth oxides and CaCO3 on the microstructure of an in-situ Mg2Si/Al-Si hypereutectic alloy composite were investigated by optical microscope,scanning electron microscope,and energy dispersive spectrum analysis. The results showed that the morphol-ogy of the primary Mg2Si phase particles changed from irregular or crosses to polygonal shape,their sizes decreased from 75 μm to about 25 μm,and the compound of both the oxide and CaCO3 was better than either the single mixed rare earth o...

Interaction Rule between Rare Earths and LowMelting Point Elements in Fe-,Cu-,AI-,Ni-Base Liquid Solutions

Interaction rule between representative RE and Sn, Sb, Pb, Cu, S, P low melting point elements respectively in Fe , Cu , Al , Ni base liquid solutions including totally 34 ternary and quarternary systems was investigated. For each system some thermodynamic properties were obtained, such as the standard free energies of equilibrium reactions, activity interaction coefficients etc ..

Microstructure evolution of rare earth Pr modified alumina-silicate short fiber-reinforced Al-Si metal matrix composites

Al-Si metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with 20 vol.% alumina-silicate shot fibers (Al2O3-SiO2(sf)) were fabricated by an infiltration squeeze method. Pure Pr metal was added into these composites. The effect of Pr addition on the microstructure evolution of Al-Si MMCs was investigated by SEM,TEM,and EDS. Pr addition is favorable to make uniform microstructures with the modified eutectic Si crystal. PrAlSi phase with high contents of Pr and Si is observed on the interface between the fiber and the m...

Research and Development of Rare Earth Advanced Materials in China

China is rich in resources of rare earths(REs). Based on tremendous work, China has made great achievements in research and development of REs since 1980s, and the production of RE has won the leading position in the world. The application of RE elements in advanced materials have progressed significantly during the past years. The wide range of rare earth application in China has been reviewed and discussed in this paper, including the development of advanced RE materials (RE-Al alloys, rare earth nonferrous metal alloys, rare earth luminescent materials, rare earth hydrogen storage materials, rare earth permanent magnet and rare earth compounds used in agriculture, i.e., rare earth micronutrient fertilizer etc.) End the research of new RE materials (high T-c rare earth superconductor, rare earth electronic and photonic materials, rare earth ceramics and rare earth precious metal alloys). Finally, the further development works to be required are as follow: (1) to enhance the applied fundamental research, study the intrinsic properties of rare earth elements and develop less well known uses; (2) to undertake the applied research of median and heavy rare earth and find a way out of the unbalance of RE resources in the various applications; (3) to strengthen the applied research of RE element's in energy field, solving the energy-related, energy-saved and environmental problems.

Effect of Rare Earth Cerium on Yield Strength Anisotropy of Al-Li Alloy Sheet and Its Theoretical Prediction

The variation of yield strength along rolling direction, transverse direction and 45° to transverse direction of 2090 Al-Li alloy and 2090+Ce alloy sheet containing rare earth cerium was comparatively investigated. The difference of deformation texture in these two alloy sheets was analyzed by means of X-ray orientation distribution function (ODF). The results show that cerium has the effects of enhancing the Brass and S rolling texture components and reducing the recrystallized texture components of Cube and Goss. This is the reason that the anisotropic degree of yield strength in 2090+Ce sheet is higher than that of 2090 alloy sheet. The prediction of yield strength along various orientations in two alloy sheets was done based on Taylor/Bishop-Hill model, and the strengthening effect of grain boundary was evaluated using Hall-Petch relationship. A modified plastic inclusion model was proposed using the concept of grain-orientation factor and T1 phase orientation factor by fitting with tensile test results.

Study of rare earth element effect on microstructures and mechanical properties of an Al-Cu-Mg-Si cast alloy

The improvements of microstructures and properties of a high strength aluminum cast alloy were studied. The effects of rare earth elements on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the high strength cast alloy Al-Cu-Mg-Si were investigated. The result shows that the addition of rare earth elements can change the microstructures in refining the grain size of the alloy and making the needle-like and laminar eutectic Si to a granular Si. With the increase of the rare earth, the tensile strength and elongation of the alloy increase first and then fall down. The mechanical properties of the alloy will reach the highest value when the content of rare earth elements is about 0.7%.

Rare Earth Application in Sealing Anodized Al-Based Metal Matrix Composites

A new method for corrosion protection of Al-based metal matrix composites (MMC) was developed using two-step process, which involves anodizing in H2SO4 solution and sealing in rare earth solution. Corrosion resistance of the treated surface was evaluated with polarization curves. The results showed that the effect of the protection using rare earth sealing is equivalent to that using chromate sealing for Al6061/SiCp. The rare earth metal salt can be an alternative to the toxic chromate for sealing anodized Al MMC.

THE EFFECT OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS ON THE SOLIDIFICATION BEHAVIOR OF Al-Mg ALLOYS

The effect of rare earth element on the solidification behavior of Al-Mg alloy was investigated in a directional solidification apparatus.It was found that during the solidification process.the rare earth element segregated in the liquid at sold-liquid interface,changed the solidification morphology and reduced the secondary arm spacing markedly.

Effect of rare earth Pr on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al_2O_3-SiO_2(sf)/Al-Si composites

The Al2O3-SiO2(sf)(volume fraction,20%)/Al-12.6Si metal matrix composites(MMCs)with or without rare earth Pr addition were fabricated by infiltration squeeze method.Effect of Pr addition on microstructures and fractographs of Al-Si MMCs was investigated by SEM and TEM.Tensile properties at room temperature and 200℃were tested.It is shown that the addition of Pr is favorable to produce uniform microstructures and modify the eutectic Si crystal effectively.Compounds/intermetallics with high content of Pr are formed at the interface between short fiber and matrix.Yield strength(σ 0.2 ),ultimate tensile strength(σ b)and fracture elongation of Al-Si MMCs are improved by adding suitable amount of Pr.Compared with those values of Al-Si based MMC at 200 ℃,σ 0.2 andσ bof MMC with 0.29%Pr are increased by 33%and 55%,respectively.The tensile fracture surface of Al-Si MMCs with Pr addition presents ductile fracture features.

Effect of Rare Earth on Superplasticity of Zn-5Al Eutectic Alloy

The superplastic deformation curves of Zn 5Al eutectic alloy containing small amount of rare earth were measured, and the influence of rare earth on structure and superplasticity characteristics of the alloy was examined with optical microscope, XDF and TEM. The results show that the elongation of Zn 5Al eutectic alloy can be increased if less than 0.2 %(mass fraction) misch metal was added. Rare earth which exists in the form of compounds Al 2CeZn 2 and CeZn 3 can refrain the dissolution and diffusion of Zn to Al and postpone the saturation of the diffusion dissolution zone(DDZ) above 350 ℃, and in such a way boost up α/β interface sliding which benefits the superplasticity.

Microstructure and Element Profile of Rare Earth Permeating Layer of Al Bronze

Rare earth (RE) atoms were permeated into the surface of Al bronze (Cu-7. gA1-1. 9 Sn) by the method of chemical heat treatment. The permeated layer was then analysed by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) , EPMA (Electronic Probe Microanalysis) and IMA (Ion Microprobe Appratus). The results show that CuREAl and dispersed η phase (Cu6Sn5) distribute in the layer, RE content decreases in the depth direction, and alloying elements (Al, Sn) are enriched in the outer layer and dilute in the second layer.