Al–Zr alloys synthesis: characterization of suitable multicomponent low-temperature melts

Abstract Al–Zr alloys as an advanced metal matrix composite material start to be attractive for various special applications. The electrochemical preparation of aluminium–zirconium alloy from cryolite melts seemed to be very perspective. Characterization of low-temperature sodium and potassium cryolite-based systems with the different additions of ZrO2 and Al2O3 (both as an electrochemical active compounds) was realized. The electrical conductivity of NaF–AlF3–Al2O3–ZrO2 and KF–AlF3–Al2O3–ZrO2 systems as a function of the temperature was studied. The addition of AlF3 varied from 33 mol% to 42 mol% in the sodium cryolite system and from 40.0 mol% to 45.5 mol% in the potassium cryolite system. Alumina and/or zirconia were added in amounts up to 1.2 mol% and 2 mol%, respectively (sodium system), and up to 2.8 mol% and 3 mol%, respectively (potassium system). The behavior of the electrical conductivity in the studied systems was described by the regression equations valid in a large temperature and concentration ranges.