Characterization of innovative Al-Si-Mg-based alloys for high temperature applications

The role played by transition elements and rare earths, added in small quantities (fractions of unity in weight percent) was proved by several authors to be beneficial for the age-hardening response and for the microstructural stability at high temperature of Al-based alloys. The paper illustrates the results of an experimental investigation on the effects of erbium (Er) additions on the microstructural features, microstructural stability and mechanical properties of an Al-7Si-0.4Mg alloy of wide industrial use. The effects are multifold: in the cast microstructure, a silicon (Si) eutectic modification was observed with the formation of several Er-containing intermetallic phases. After solution treatment and aging, an increase in peak hardness and an enhanced microstructural stability were obtained. In this preliminary study, the beneficial effects of Er additions were confirmed.