CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight
Innovation
Compactions of Al-Ce-Mg powders dramatically outperform 2618-T6 at high temperature.
Achievement
- Al-Ce alloys formed by rapid solidification exhibit nanostructure and improved properties. Compacting nanostructured Al-Ce powder by extrusion results in a material with high temperature properties far superior to Al alloy 2618-T6.
- Alloy strengthens with coarsening-resistant nano-dispersoids, unlike conventional alloys that strengthen with heat treatment.
Significance and Impact
Al alloy 2618-T6 is commercial Al alloy of choice for high temperature applications. Al-Ce significantly outperforming 2618-T6 at high temperature is an important milestone and will incentivize industrial interest. The next step is scale up and room temp strength improvement by process iteration.
Hub Target Addressed
- Develop substitutes for Al-Li alloys
- Diversify supply of REE by increasing demand for Ce in a high value product