Effect of cerium/lanthanum addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al7075 alloy via mechanical alloying and sintering

The effect of the Al-6Ce-3La (ACL) on the microstructural behavior of the Al7075 was investigated. Materials were synthesized by mechanical alloying with variation in the ACL content and milling time. Products were characterized and studied in the as-milled condition and mechanically evaluated after sintering. The synergetic effect of milling time and ACL content in the modified materials led to a reduction in the particle size. Results from electron microscopy showed a homogeneous dispersion of Ce/La phases up to 20 wt.% of ACL content after 10 h of milling. Mechanical evaluation under compressive test showed an improved performance for those alloys reinforced with 0.2 wt.% and 0.5 wt.% of ACL.

Graphical Abstract(a) ISE images from extraction zone for the lamella TEM; (b) Z-contrast STEM micrographs showing the ACL dispersion produced during mechanical alloyingFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide