CMI Project 1.3.12: Science-enabling diverse value chain product from aluminum-cerium alloys Research Highlights

Direct reduction of cerium oxide by liquid aluminum a mechanistic understanding for industrial adaptation

CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Loukus Tech conducted the activity for this highlight

Direct reduction trial of CeO2 by Al, which is highly exothermic.

CMI-trained researcher moves from AI to neutrons

CMI researchers fromOak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Tennessee Knoxville, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory were involved with this highlight.

image of person head and shoulders: Dayton Kizzire, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Direct reduction of cerium oxide advances Al-Ce alloying

CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Eck Industries conducted the research for this highlight

image from backscattered electron micrograph

Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) determination of Al-Ce alloys via combinatorial thin-film synthesis

CMI researchers at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Eck Industries conducted the activity for this highlight

Schematic of sputtering setup overlayed on actual image of the system in operation.

Al-Ce alloys provide economical silicon-free Al-casting solutions

CMI researchers at University of Tennessee Knoxville with industry partners Eck Industries, Shiloh and Borg Warner conducted the research for this

bar graph shows the cost of silicon in aluminum alloys follow the same trend due to its use as a primary alloying element in 4%–20% by weight.

Industry designation of Al-Ce alloys

CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and industry partner Eck conducted the research for this highlight

AA727 casting of a high-temperature housing with complex geometry.

Neutrons probe Al-Ce alloy structure in operation

CMI researchers at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Infrared temperature image of the engine 1 min after startup.

Al-Ce alloys designated by Aluminum Association

CMI developed alloys that have passed key commercial milestone, and have been accorded official designations by The Aluminum Association, opening the door to global industrial applications

Al-Ce alloy-based turbocharger compressor wheels from 6” to 0.3” produced by Additive Manufacturing using newly designated aluminum-cerium alloy.

Direct reduction slashes Al-Ce alloy cost

Successful manufacturing demonstration of the production of Al-Ce alloy using direct reduction of commercial-grade cerium carbonate and oxide

colonies of Al11Ce3 inter-metallic phase responsible for strength

Thermodynamic informed Al-Ce alloy development for Advanced Manufacturing (AM)

CMI, with CALPHAD, developed an Aluminum-Cerium-Magnesium-Silicon alloy with improved casting and mechanical properties

Aluminum-Cerium-Magnesium-Silicon alloy with voids