Effect of Yttrium on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of A5083 Secondary Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

The significant economic and environmental benefits of using secondary aluminum alloys are being challenged with the need for selection of alloying elements that is capable of producing secondary castable Al alloys that can be used on the same quality as before, to provide better strength, withstand high-temperature and good corrosion resistance. The interactive effects of Yttrium (Y) additive on the microstructure of A5083 secondary aluminum alloy and how 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% of this addictive affects the mechanical properties of the secondary alloy was investigated. X-ray diffractometer and FESEM spectroscopy, coupled with an optical microscopic test were used for characterization, while the mechanical properties testing involves tensile and impact strength test. The modifications formed an intermetallic compound which causes the size of the dendritic phase to decrease along with increasing the grain size to 40 µm. The Al-Mg-1% Y alloys display greater tensile strength, Young modulus, and elongation, these enhancements were expected to improve the service integrity of the secondary A5083 aluminum, especially for structural, marine, and building construction. The impact shock absorbed by the modified alloy and the micro hardness test result also indicated that the addition of Y up to 1 wt.% gives the best modification to the A5083 secondary aluminum alloy.