Influence of rare earth cerium on the microstructures and performances of Al-Fe alloy

The effects of rare earth addition on the microstructures as well as the tensile performances and electrical conductivity of Al alloys have attracted increasing attention recently. However, little research has been carried out to investigate the influence of minor Ce (the Ce additive amount is below 0.1 wt.%). In this study, experiments have been performed to explore the effects of minor Ce on the microstructures as well as the tensile properties and the electrical conductivity of Al-Fe alloy. The results demonstrate that minor rare earth Ce addition not only leads to the & alpha;-Al refinement and the modification of Al13Fe4 minority phase, but also decreases the solid solubility of Si. The grain refinement induced by Ce addition has a negligible influence on the tensile strength and yield strength, while the ductility and conductivity can be simultaneously ascended by adding rare earth Ce. The modification of Al13Fe4 minority phase is responsible for the increment of ductility, and the diminution of Si solid solubility in the Al matrix leads to the increase of electrical conductivity. This work provides a strategy for concurrently improving the tensile performances and electrical conductivity of aluminum alloy.