A Method of Producing Al-REE Master Alloys Using Exchange Reduction Reaction

A novel method of aluminium-based master alloy manufacturing using high-temperature exchange processes between aluminium and halides of various rare-earth metals (Ce, Nd, Gd) was proposed. Samples with REE content from 1 to 10 wt. % were synthesised. The yields in excess of 90, 86, and 80% were achieved for Al-Ce, Al-Nd, and Al-Gd alloys, respectively. Microstructure of the alloys consisted of a metal matrix of aluminium in which intermetallic compounds were distributed. Mechanical properties of synthesised master alloys were determined.