A study of the effect of scandium on the structure and properties of aluminum-magnesium alloys during natural aging

The structure of cast aluminum-magnesium alloys with an addition (0.1-0.2 wt pct) of scandium was investigated by electron microscopy in the as-cast, hardened, and aged conditions. It is shown that the addition of scandium in amounts less than 0.2 pct makes it possible to achieve a high level of strength and ductile characteristics after natural aging for 14 years. An increase in Sc content to 0.7 percent reduces the ductility of the alloy. 14 refs.