Microstructure and Thermal Stability of Al-Ce-Ni Ternary Alloys
Conference proceedings article
Authors/Editors
Strategic Research Themes
Publication Details
Author list: Abid A. Mohammed, Phromphong Pandee, Chaowalit Limmaneevichitr and Ussadawut Patakham
Publication year: 2023
Start page: 19
End page: 23
Number of pages: 5
Abstract
Binary Al-Ce alloys have demonstrated significant potential in high-temperature applications
due to the exceptional thermal stability of the Al11Ce3 lamellae formed during solidification. The
addition of another element to increase the volume fraction of second phases in the Al-Ce alloy can
further improve the mechanical properties. In the present study, Al-10Ce-xNi ternary alloys were
designed and prepared by gravity casting. Microstructural analysis revealed primary phases such as
blocky primary Al11Ce3 and Al3Ni precipitates, as well as primary α-Al dendrites. Ternary eutectic
structures were discovered to consist of the intermetallics Al11Ce3 and Al3Ni in an aluminum matrix.
The addition of Ni increased the volume fraction without altering the morphology of the eutectic
Al11Ce3 phase. As a result, the as-cast hardness increased with a higher Ni content. Furthermore, alloys
with higher Ni additions exhibited less reductions in hardness when exposed to high temperatures.
Therefore, the Al-Ce-Ni ternary alloy showed superior hardness and thermal stability compared to the
binary Al-Ce alloy, making it a highly promising candidate for engineering applications at ambient and
elevated temperatures.
Keywords
Al-Ce alloy, Casting, Eutectic