Influences of Ce addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of 2519A aluminum alloy plate

The precipitation hardening response, microstructures and mechanical properties of 2519A aluminum alloy plates with additions of 0, 0.2 and 0.4 wt.% Ce were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Vickers hardness test and tensile tests. The results show that 0.2 wt.% Ce promotes the precipitation of denser and finer θ′ phase, which improves the tensile strength of the alloy at both room and elevated temperatures. High melting point Al8Cu4Ce phase particles are found in alloys with additions of Ce up to 0.4 wt.%, which contributes to the mechanical properties at elevated temperature.