Research on Rare Earth in Aluminum

In the last decades, the usage of rare earth, especially La, Ce, Nd, Y, Sc and mischmetall in aluminum alloys has been studied widely. The results show that the microstructure of the alloy was modified, the mechanical properties and other performances such as electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance of the alloy were improved as well. In our research, the effects of La, Ce, Nd, Y, Gd, Sc and Er on the microstructure, tensile properties, corrosion resistance of high-purified aluminum and it's alloy are investigated. It is concluded that those rare earth elements are all of benefit to aluminum and it's alloys, and Er is one of the most effective additives. Compared with the high-purified aluminum, Al-Er alloy is featured with refined grain structure, higher hardness and greater intensity, while the plasticity is unchanged.