Effects of Er and Zr additions on precipitation and recrystallization of pure aluminum

The effects of Er and Zr on the precipitation and recrystallization of pure aluminum were investigated using hardness testing, optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the recrystallization temperature of the Al–0.2Er–0.2Zr (wt.%) alloy is about 450 °C, which is significantly higher than that of Al–0.2Er (wt.%) alloy (350 °C), owing to the presence of nanosized and coherent Al3 (Er, Zr) precipitates. The synergetic effects of Er and Zr on the precipitates and recrystallization resistance of Al–Er–Zr alloys are discussed.