In-situ dispersed La oxides of Al6061 composites by mechanical alloying

Abstract

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) are useful materials for structural applications due to their high strength to weight ratio. In this study, the addition of the rare earth element La to the Al6061 alloys as in-situ La oxide dispersoids fabricated by mechanical alloying was investigated. The result shows that an increase of La content can change the morphology of synthesized powders and has significant influence on microstructure uniformity, hardness, densification, and ductility of the materials. The results also show that the complex La-Al-Si-O oxides and needle-like AlFeSi intermetallic compounds were formed during ball milling and subsequent sintering processes.