Improved Recrystallization Resistance of Al-Cu-Li-Zr Alloy through Ce Addition

The effects of the addition of 0.29 wt % Ce on the recrystallization behavior of an Al-Cu-Li-0.13Zr (wt %) alloy during isothermal annealing were investigated. Ce addition greatly improved inhibition of recrystallization in this alloy compared with that in the Ce-free alloy. The texture of the Ce-containing alloy contained a large amount of beta-fibers and fibrous unrecrystallized grain microstructures distributed along the rolling direction in the overall annealing process. The improved recrystallization resistance endowed by Ce addition can be attributed to the large number of small A1(8)Cu(4) Ce species formed on the grain boundary. These fine particles with high-temperature stability can exert a Zener pressure on the Al3Zr dispersoid-free grain boundary. The yield strength of the Ce-containing alloy increased significantly, to 38 MPa, and the fracture toughness improved by 56.28% compared with those of the Ce-free alloy. This work provides a convenient and economical method for enhancing the overall performance of an Al-Cu-Li-Zr alloy via recrystallization inhibition by Ce addition.