Effects of the Addition of Transition Metals on Cast Al–Cu Alloys

This work reports the studies conducted to characterize the microstructure and strength of Al–Cu alloys cast with various additions of Ti, V and Zr as these elements form stable particles of the Al 3 M type that are able to enhance their strength. The alloys were melted at 760 °C and poured into steel moulds. The solidification and cooling of the alloys was studied with the aid of a modified Scheil–Gulliver model. The volume fraction of D0 22 and D0 23 particles at the end of solidification was used to evaluate the strengthening by Orowan’s mechanism. Microstructural studies revealed the presence of particles of the Al 3 M type made of Ti, V and Zr. The difference in strength of the different alloys is attributed to Al 3 M precipitates. Graphical Abstract