Effect of Ce Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-Cu-Li Alloy

Abstract

In this work, the effects of Ce content (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3 wt%) on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Li alloys were investigated. The results show that the grains of Al-Cu-Li alloy are refined by adding Ce element. When Ce content is less than 0.1%, the ultimate strength of the alloy increases with the increase of Ce content. However, the ultimate strength of the alloy decreases when Ce content is above 0.1%. For Al-Cu-Li alloy with different Ce content, the aging precipitation of T1 and θ′ phases play the main strengthening role. When Ce content increases from 0.1 to 0.3%, dynamic recrystallization is promoted during hot deformation. The recrystallization of the alloys is inhibited after T6 treatment with the increase of Ce content, which can be attributed to existence of the Al8Cu4Ce phases on the grain boundary. This work provides an economical and convenient method for improving the properties of Al-Cu-Li alloys by Ce addition.