Novel Al-Cu-Mn-Zr-Sc Compositions Exhibiting Increased Mechanical Performance after a High-Temperature Thermal Exposure

The presence of complex, core-shell Al-3(Zr, Sc) dispersoids in Al-Cu alloys has recently been found to significantly refine theta ' precipitates resulting in increased mechanical properties. The purpose of this work was to take advantage of these effects to develop alloys with enhanced resistance to high-temperature thermal exposure compared to industrial baseline products. A series of Sc-bearing Al-Cu alloys were designed, manufactured using tailored homogenization practices and tested. It was found that a novel Al-Cu-Mn-Zr-Sc alloy exhibited higher tensile strength than AA2219-T8511 after a thermal exposure of 280 degrees C-24 h. The presence of Sc-containing primary intermetallics was also observed in V-bearing compositions.