Microstructures and mechanical properties of Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy with La and Sm addition

Abstract

Abstract The effect of single addition of La or Sm on the microstructures and mechanical properties of an Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy were investigated by microstructure characterization and tensile test. The results show that addition of La or Sm into the Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy can remarkably increase the density of θ′ phase and refine the microstructure, and thus, improves the mechanical properties at room temperature. La addition results in a more considerable increase in the density and refinement of θ′ phase than Sm addition. La addition has a more significant contribution on the mechanical properties of the Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy than Sm addition. In addition, a new phase of Al 6 Cu 6 La is formed in the Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy with La addition.