Principles for Creating Aluminum-Based Alloys Sparingly Alloyed with Scandium

Abstract

Scientific foundations for creating aluminum alloys sparingly alloyed with scandium are considered. A partial replacement of costly scandium in the Al₃Sc strengthening phase with another metal is proposed. This results in the formation of an Al₃(Sc_1–xMe_x)-type strengthening phase, which preserves the L1₂ crystal lattice of the Al₃Sc phase and all its beneficial properties. When creating such materials, complex alloying with transition and rare earth metals is advisable. Such an approach leads to the appearance of Al₃(Sc_{1–x–y–z}, Me_1x, Me_2y, Me_3z) phases with an L1₂ lattice, contributing to the formation of a complex supersaturated solid solution. Metals substituting scandium should meet the following two requirements: exhibit sufficient solubility in the Al₃Sc phase and, at least, some solubility in aluminum.