Microstructure, hardness and tensile properties of A380 aluminum alloy with and without Li additions

In this work, the effects of lithium (Li) on the microstructure, hardness and mechanical properties of A380 aluminum alloy have been investigated. The alloy was produced by conventional casting. Microstructures of the samples were investigated using the optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that with increase of Li content up to 0.1%, the morphology of β-Al5FeSi and eutectic Si phases changed from intersected and branched coarse platelets into fine and independent ones. Li decreased hardness values of the alloy. Also, it was revealed from tensile tests that with addition of 0.6% Li, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation values increased from 274 to 300 MPa and 3.8% to 6%, respectively. Fractographic examination of the fracture surfaces indicated that the alloys with Li addition had more ductile dimple and fewer brittle cleavage surfaces.