Abstract Scope |
The current study investigates near-eutectic Al-Ce-Fe alloys’ microstructures, thermal stabilities, and creep resistances. Al-10Ce, Al-10Ce-1Fe and Al-10Ce-3Fe alloys (wt%) are observed in this study. The Al-10Ce-1Fe and Al-10Ce-3Fe alloys show minimal loss in microhardness due to aging, even after 768 hours at 425°C. Furthermore, the addition of 1 wt%Fe, which creates detrimental coarse phase morphologies in traditional Al-alloys, forms in Al-10Ce alloy fine, Chinese-script Al10CeFe2 and Al11Ce3 phases without loss of microhardness. Addition of 3 wt%Fe increases hardness significantly while forming Al10CeFe2 in a coarse rod morphology. Compressive creep measurements performed at 300°C show similar trends: (i) Al-10Ce-1Fe is not significantly different from Al-10Ce and (ii) Al-10Ce-3Fe exhibits improved creep resistance, better than even the much more expensive Al-10Ce-5Ni. Thus, the Al-Ce-Fe system shows promise as a low-cost, creep-resistant cast-alloy for use at high temperatures, as well as an environmentally-friendly alloy due to its tolerance for Fe enabling easier recycling. |