Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–5.5Fe–1.1V–0.6Si alloy solidified under near-rapid cooling and with Ce addition

Al–Fe–V–Si alloys were developed for use at elevated temperature and usually produced through a rapid solidification–powder metallurgy route. In this work, effort was made to produce the material via casting route. The studied alloys were cast under the condition of near-rapid cooling. The influence of Ce addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of near-rapid solidified alloys were investigated. The results indicate that the as-cast microstructure of Al–5.5Fe–1.1V–0.6Si alloy is significantly refined when the alloy was solidified under near-rapid cooling. Adding Ce results in the further refinement of intermetallic compound and the formation of an Al–V–Ce phase which replaces the primary phase Al13(Fe,V)3Si. The mechanical properties of the alloy are significantly improved by Ce addition: More than 70% increase in tensile strength and elongation is achieved by adding 1.00 wt% Ce to the alloy. It is concluded that near-rapid cooling and Ce addition are effective in improving mechanical properties of cast Al–5.5Fe–1.1V–0.6Si alloy.