Development of advanced aluminum alloys with nano-hetero structures and their mechanical properties

Abstract

High performance aluminum alloys have been widely used for many industrial applications as light weight materials. Further development of advanced aluminum alloys mainly composed of ubiquitous elements and superior in recyclability is highly required. We have developed a novel fabrication process for the wrought and cast aluminum alloys with nano-hetero structures by combining deformation, semi-solid forming and controlled heat treatments. Iron and several microalloying elements are effectively utilized to produce fine nano-hetero structures in aluminum alloys with the combination of the spheroidized α-Al, finely distributed intermetallic compounds and nano-precipitates. The characteristics of the produced nano-hetero structures are examined and the mechanical strength and ductility are evaluated. Both of the strength and ductility are extremely improved by the controlled nano-hetero structures in the developed aluminum alloys.