Recent Developments in Light Alloys

TLDR

Light alloys, particularly aluminium, are widely used in aerospace and emerging technologies, and understanding microstructure–property relationships enables design tailored to specific service requirements. The paper reviews recent developments in aluminium, magnesium, and titanium alloys. It highlights new ageing practices, lithium‑containing aluminium alloys, trace‑element control of precipitation, titanium aluminides, and materials produced by unconventional processing methods.

Abstract

Light alloys, and aluminium alloys in particular, are widely used to model new processes and their association with the aerospace industries often places them at the forefront of emerging technologies. Moreover, knowledge of microstructure/property relationships is providing opportunities to design alloys to meet specific service requirements. These two themes are used as the basis for discussing recent developments in aluminium, magnesium and titanium alloys. Particular attention is given to new ageing practices, lithium-containing aluminium alloys, the role of trace elements in controlling precipitation and to titanium aluminides. Reference is also made to several new materials produced by unconventional methods of processing.