Indentation creep behavior of AE42 and Ca-containing AE41 alloys

The indentation creep behavior of AE42 and 0.4–1.2 wt.% Ca-containing AE41 alloys was studied. The microstructure was analyzed by an optical microscope, XRD and SEM equipped EDS before and after indentation creep. The results indicate that the creep resistance of AE41 alloys is improved with the addition of Ca. The indentation creep resistance of Ca-containing AE41 alloys is better than that of AE42 at 150 °C and 175 °C. The microstructure analysis shows that the Al11Nd3 phase in AE42 is prone to decompose above 150 °C, which deteriorates its creep resistance behavior. Ca-containing AE41 alloys have good indentation creep resistance because of the formation of heat-resistant phase Al2Ca in the alloys.