Design and Behavior or High Intermetallic Content Al-Ce Alloys

The thermodynamic and kinetic features of the Al-Ce alloy system enable the intermetallic volume fraction of intermetallic particles to be increased significantly, while remaining processable by conventional and advanced manufacturing processes. Here, we present recent work to establish Al-Ce alloys for casting, wrought, and additively manufactured alloys that leverage high intermetallic fraction for enhanced properties. Thermodynamic features are combined with thermophysical and structural properties to fashion alloys with property sets tailored to intended applications. Furthermore additional alloying elements can induce complex changes in phase distribution and strength, both of which are also a function of solidification rate. Promising Al-Ce-X-Y and sometimes -Z candidates for particular applications will also be discussed.<br/>This research was sponsored by the Critical Materials Institute, an Energy Innovation Hub funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Office. Work performed at LLNL under contract DE-AC52-07NA27344