About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
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| Symposium
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Scandium Extraction and Use in Aluminum Alloys
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| Presentation Title |
Effect of Scandium Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-7Si-0.3Mg Cast Alloy |
| Author(s) |
Priyansh Khandelwal, Yan Huang, Jason Nunn, Scott Honan, Shouxun Ji |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Priyansh Khandelwal |
| Abstract Scope |
Scandium (Sc) significantly improves the strength and weldability of aluminium alloys through grain refinement, inhibition of grain boundary movement, and hardening via Al₃Sc dispersoids, which has resulted in significant industry interest. However, limited experimental data and concerns over secure supply have hindered wider adoption. In Al–7Si–0.3Mg (A356), Sc additions refine α-Al grains and modify eutectic Si. Excessive Sc, however, can promote the formation of brittle AlSi₂Sc₂ intermetallic compounds, reducing ultimate tensile strength. Reported data on optimal Sc content in A356 vary, particularly when Cu is added for enhanced strength. Moreover, Sc-rich phases often persist through solution treatment and do not re-precipitate effectively during ageing, complicating heat treatment. This study aims to determine the optimal Sc content for A356 and A356–Cu alloys through detailed microstructural and mechanical characterization. Fading behaviour is evaluated using gravity-cast tensile samples, followed by optimized T6 heat treatment to understand the underlying strengthening mechanisms. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Mechanical Properties, Other |