Effect of Sc addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of 1460 alloy

The effect of minor addition of Sc on microstructure, age hardening behavior, tensile properties and fracture morphology of 1460 alloy have been studied. It is found that Sc content increase from 0.11 wt% to 0.22 wt% is favorable for grain refinement in as-cast alloy but results in a coarsening of Cu-rich particles. The alloy with 0.11 wt% Sc exhibits enhanced mechanical properties and age hardening effect. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations on the alloy with 0.11 wt% Sc have suggested that a large amount of Al3(Sc, Zr) particles precipitated at the earlier aging may inhibit recrystallization effectively.