Solute clusters-promoted strength-ductility synergy in Al-Sc alloy. (10th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Chong; Cheng, Pengming; Chen, Baoan; Zhang, Jinyu; Liu, Gang; Sun, Jun
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials science & technology. Volume 96(2022)
• Page Start: 325
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2022-01-10
• Subjects: Al-Sc alloy -- Solute clusters -- Strength -- Ductility -- Micromechanics model; Metals -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Materials science; Metals; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2021.02.075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1005-0302

Abstract

Highlights: Sc clusters with a high number density were produced in Al-Sc alloy aged at 250 °C. The evolution of Sc clusters with aging time was characterized by APT. The Sc solute cluster could promote strength-ductility synergy in Al-Sc alloy. The effect of clusters on ductility is discussed by a revised micromechanics model. Abstract: Sc solute clusters with a high number density were produced in an Al-0.3 wt.% Sc alloy when aged at 250 °C, while fine Al3 Sc precipitates were predominantly formed in the same alloy aged at 300 °C. The alloy strengthened by Sc solute clusters displayed higher yield strength and simultaneously greater ductility than its counterpart strengthened by Al3 Sc precipitates. This clearly demonstrates a superior strength-ductility synergy promoted by the Sc solute clusters in Al-Sc alloys. The effects of Al3 Sc precipitates and Sc solute clusters on ductility were discussed in comparison by using a micromechanics fracture model. Since the Sc clusters were stabilized at 250 °C, the Al-Sc alloys strengthened by Sc solute clusters should find extensive application fields within a wide temperature range, due to their high temperature resistance. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract