Addition Of Copper Research Articles

Influence of copper content on the structure and properties of aluminium alloys

Designing new aluminium alloys always requires an assessment of the influence of modified contents of the main alloying additions on the required properties for a specific application. The aim of this study was to develop a new alloy with a higher tensile strength than the tensile strength obtained in typical 6xxx series alloys, with a satisfactory hot extrusion ductility. The article presents the results of studies on the influence of copper additions, in three variants, on the structure and mechanical properties of extruded aluminium profiles in various heat treatment states. The base reference for the presented studies was the following aluminium alloys: AlMgSi (EN AW-6063) and AlCuMgMn (EN AW-2017). On this basis, three alloy variants with Cu contents of 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 weight % were selected. These alloys were cast by vertical semi-continuous casting in the form of ingots with a diameter of 100 mm. Hot deformation studies were carried out in the process of co-extrusion on a semi-industrial line consisting of a horizontal 5 MN press together with auxiliary devices. The extruded profiles were free from defects that could have resulted from the process, such as overheating, cracks and blisters. The materials in the form of extruded profiles, in the heat treatment states T1 and T4, were characterised in terms of structure and mechanical properties. The variants with Cu contents of 2.5 wt% and 3.5 wt% had comparable structure and grain size, and the variant with 4.5 wt% Cu had a finer microstructure. For the studied alloys after heat treatment, higher the strength, higher the Cu content in the alloy, ranging from 445 to 543 MPa. It has been found that it is possible to develop modified aluminium alloys based on the 6xxx series with an increased copper addition (but still below the content typical for Al alloys of the 2xxx series) that will have a strength above 400 MPa. The first variant of the new alloy with a Cu content of 2.5 wt% meets the set goal and meets the requirements set at the beginning of the studies.

Influence of Copper Addition on Microstructure, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Al–12.6%Zn–Mg Alloys

Influence of Copper Addition on Microstructure, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Al–12.6%Zn–Mg Alloys

Unravelling the mechanisms of copper precipitation-induced strengthening in austenitic stainless steels: An atomistic approach

Copper addition in austenitic stainless steel is known to provide good high-temperature strength through precipitation strengthening. However, the mechanism of such strengthening and its overall contribution to strength in austenitic stainless steels have not been adequately investigated. The present work employs molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to investigate the interaction between an edge dislocation and copper precipitate in austenitic stainless steel. The mechanism controlling the strength was found to be trailing partial detachment for smaller precipitates up to a maximum radius of 3 nm, whereas leading partial detachment controls the strength for larger precipitate sizes, irrespective of the inter-precipitate spacing. Besides, modulus strengthening was identified as the primary strengthening contributor for the coherent Cu precipitate in the present alloy, which was subsequently aligned with the theoretical predictions by the existing Russell-Brown (R-B) model, adopting some modifications. The discrepancy between the simulation results and the original R-B model is attributed to the interaction between the two partial dislocations in presence of the precipitate. The modified R-B model was then used in combination with Thermo-calc and DICTRA predictions to estimate the strength of Cu-added austenitic stainless steel. However, the predictions overestimated the experimental data due to the model's inability to account for the random distribution of precipitates. To address this limitation, a subsequent discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) simulation was conducted, incorporating a random distribution of Cu precipitates. Finally, the DDD simulation results demonstrated a good match with the experimental results, which can be further extended to other alloy systems as well.

Label-free multimodal analysis of copper ions at below permissible exposure limit in the aqueous medium

An anthraimidazoledione based amphiphilic dye molecule was synthesized that shows formation of tuneable charge-transfer state in solution, susceptible to change in pH, polarity and hydrogen bonding ability of the medium. The compound also showed formation of nanoscopic self-assembled structure in water medium. The probe molecule can achieve multimodal detection (colorimetric, fluorimetric and electrochemical) of copper ions as low as 0.3 ppm in the aqueous medium. Addition of copper leads to dose-dependent ratiometric change in solution color from yellow to purple. The mechanistic investigation indicates that the coordination of copper ions was possible via simultaneous engagement of both imidazole nitrogen ends and neighbouring hydroxyl unit. Not only optical property, the changes in microenvironment also influence the selectivity as well as sensitivity of the probe molecule towards Cu2+ ions. Further, the optical probe is used for detection as well as quantification of copper ions in natural water samples without any sample pretreatment. Low-cost, reusable paper strips are developed for rapid, on-location detection of residual Cu2+ in real-life samples.

Intelligent quantitative recognition of sulfide using machine learning-based ratiometric fluorescence probe of metal-organic framework UiO-66-NH2/Ppix

Sulfides possess either high toxicity or play crucial physiological role such as gas transmitter dependent upon dosage, hence the significant for their rapid sensitive and selective concentration determination. Herein, a machine learning enhanced ratiometric fluorescence sensor was engineered for sulfide determination by incorporating the nanometal-organic framework (UiO-66-NH2) along with protoporphyrin IX (Ppix). The blue fluorescence at 431 nm originated from the moiety of UiO-66-NH2 by 365 nm excitation serves as an internal calibration reference signal, while the red fluorescence at 629 nm from the moiety of Ppix serves as the analytical signal, and the intensity is correlated to the amount of sulfides. The fluorescence color of the sensor gradually varies from blue to red upon sequential addition of copper and sulfide ions, resulting in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) feature values for corresponding sulfide concentrations, which facilities the advanced data processing techniques using machine learning algorithms. On the basis of fluorescence image fingerprint extraction and machine learning algorithms, an online data analysis model was developed to improve the precision and accuracy of sulfide determination. The established model employed Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and was subjected to rigorous cross-validation to ensure its robustness. By analyzing the correlation between RGB feature values and sulfide concentrations, the study highlighted a significant positive relationship between the red feature values and sulfide concentrations. The application of machine learning techniques on the ratiometric fluorescence signal of the UiO-66-NH2/Ppix probe demonstrated its potential for intelligent quantitative determination of sulfides, offering a valuable and efficient tool for pollution detection and real-time rapid environmental monitoring.

Microstructure Characteristics, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Copper Alloyed Hypo-Eutectic Grey Cast Iron

In this study, influence of varied copper addition on the mechanical properties and corrosion characteristics of grey cast iron (GCI) was investigated. As-cast unalloyed and 0.035 wt. %, 0.65 wt. % 0.85 wt. % and 1.18 wt. % copper alloyed GCI samples were produced using rotary furnace. Chemical compositions of the samples were determined by Optical Emission Spectroscopy using ARL QuantoDeskSpectro analysis machine. Tensile and hardness measurements were made using INSTRON tensile testing machine- model 3369 and Universal Rockwell hardness testenr- model 8187LKV respectively. Samples’ characterization was done using Philips SEM (XL30 TMP). And electrochemical measurement was determined using AUTOLAB PGSTAT 204N instrument. From the results, the as-cast unalloyed, 0.035 wt. % and 0.85 wt. % and 1.18 wt. % Cu alloyed GCI samples revealed lamella graphite in pearlite matrix, short flake graphite in pearlitic-ferrritic matrix, Type A flake graphite in pearlitic-ferritic matrix and long flake graphite in ferritic-pearlitic matrix respectively. Tensile, hardness and elongation properties of the copper GCI samples ranked superior over the as-cast unalloyed GCI sample. Optimum tensile value 158.26 N/mm2 and hardness value 447.4 HRC were revealed by the 0.85 wt. % Cu, and optimum ductility value of 2.79% was revealed by the 1.18 wt. % Cu alloyed GCI sample. In general, copper alloyed GCI samples showed better corrosion resistance relative to the as-cast unalloyed GCI sample. The copper alloyed GCI samples showed better corrosion resistance relative as compared to the as-cast unalloyed GCI sample. Least corrosion rate of 0.0011297 mm/yr with polarization resistance of 174.58 Ω was revealed by the 0.85 wt. % Cu alloyed GCI sample. Hence, it is most suitable in application requiring high to moderate strength is marine environment.

Design and development of porous CoCrFeNiMn high entropy alloy (Cantor alloy) with outstanding electrochemical properties

CoCrFeNiMn high entropy alloys are among the most well-studied high entropy alloys that exhibit reasonable strength and outstanding ductility. In the present study, porous CoCrFeNiMn foams have been developed by the addition of copper in the base high entropy alloy by arc melting followed by its removal through an electrochemical dealloying process. Microstructure characterization of the as-cast samples confirmed limited solubility of copper in the matrix while the majority of the copper was found to segregate to interdendritic areas. Removal of copper from the interdendritic areas was successfully carried out by an electrochemical dealloying process which resulted in the development of foams with interconnected porosity. CoCrFeNiMn foams with different levels of porosities were successfully developed by varying the amount of added copper in the base HEA and its removal by a dealloying process. The electrochemical performance of the developed foams was assessed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). One of the developed foams was found to exhibit an areal capacitance of 1.56 F cm−2 at 2 mA cm−2 which is more than 2x times higher than the value reported for recently developed porous AlCoCrFeNi high entropy foam. Developed foam, besides showing excellent values of areal capacitance, demonstrated capacitance retention of 114.6% after 5000 cycles at 8 mA cm−2. The excellent electrochemical performance of the developed high entropy foams exhibits their potential to be used as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications and was attributed to the insertion of interconnected porosity in the base HEA.

Sintering energy conservation in extrusion-based 3D printing of porcelain ceramics blended with copper and allied alloys: A sustainable approach

This study investigates the use of copper particles in porcelain ceramics for reduced sintering temperature effort as a part of a sustainable environment. Porcelain powder is mixed with 10 wt% copper powder, 25.3 wt% water, and 12.6 wt% ethanol, and the rheological characterization is made. The rheological characterization of the initial slurry and the phases that evolved during sintering at various temperatures were studied. With suitable rheology of slurry, prototype parts are manufactured by 3D printing. The length-to-diameter ratio of the nozzle, stand-off distance, and type of underlying substrates are also observed to influence the printability. The sintering is performed in the temperature range of 500 °C–1200 °C. The sintered parts were characterized for various phases in the selected temperature range. In addition, a study was conducted to find sintering temperature variation with the percentage of copper addition made by mixing brass and bronze with multiple compositions of zinc and tin, respectively. Once the standards are established with copper in a research-based printer, porcelain with other elements is printed on a bulk printer, ensuring repeatability. The retention of natural binder kaolinite at various temperatures is also verified. This study also opens a new dimension for sustainable multi-material ceramic 3D printing with increased solid loading at ease with required customization. The results showed that adding copper particles to the porcelain powder reduced the sintering temperature by up to 200 °C. The study concluded that adding copper particles to porcelain is a promising method for sustainable 3D printing of ceramics.

Tailoring the Mechanical Properties of Copper‐Added Transformation‐Induced Plasticity‐Aided Multiphase Steel by Thermomechanical Processing

Herein, the microstructure and mechanical properties of a low‐alloy Cu‐bearing transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) steel and their dependence on the processing history are investigated. The distributions of the retained austenite and bainite are found to be dependent on the initial cold‐rolled microstructure, which can be tailored by the preceding hot‐rolling route (unidirectional/cross rolling) and the subsequent cooling rate (furnace/air cooling). Mechanical properties and TRIP effect strongly depend on the initial microstructure, where the air‐cooled sheet shows remarkable mechanical properties; while the cross‐rolled sheet shows isotropic properties. The addition of copper results in an increase in the amount of the retained austenite, enhancement of strength‐ductility balance, and improvement of the hardening behavior of TRIP‐assisted high‐performance steel.

Evaluation of the biocompatibility, antibacterial and anticancer effects of a novel nano-structured Fe–Mn-based biodegradable alloys in-vitro study

Scientific backgroundsDevelopment of nanostructured biodegradable alloys has generated a great deal of interest in the recent years as they offer promising bioactive materials for reconstruction of bony defects following traumatic fractures or surgical excision of tumors. ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to investigate the biocompatibility of Iron–Manganese -based alloys (Fe–Mn) with addition of copper (Cu), Tungsten (W) and cobalt (Co) to obtain 3 different alloys namely, Fe–Mn–Cu, Fe–Mn–W, and Fe–Mn–Co on normal oral epithelial cell line,and their possible anticancer effect on MG-63: osteosarcoma cell line. Materials and methodsThe sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was used to assess cell viability percentage of both cell lines after exposure to discs of the proposed experimental alloys. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of such alloys against Escherichia coli (E. coli) was tested using disc diffusion susceptibility (Kirby-Bauer method) and colony suspension method. ResultsThe cell viability percentage of oral epithelial cell line showed a significant increase in all the experimental groups in comparison to the control group. The highest percentage was observed in Fe–Mn–Co group, followed by Fe–Mn–W then Fe–Mn–Cu, at 24 and 72-h intervals, respectively. While the cell viability percentage of osteosarcoma cell line showed significant increase in all the experimental groups at 24-h intervals, it showed a significant drop in all the study groups at 72-h intervals. The lowest percentage was observed in Fe–Mn–Cu group, followed by Fe–Mn–W then Fe–Mn–Co. Moreover, all the examined study groups didn't show any inhibition zones against E. coli reference culture. ConclusionsThe novel nanostructured biodegradable Fe–Mn–Cu, Fe–Mn–W, and Fe–Mn–Co metal alloys exhibit good biocompatibility on oral epithelial cell lines with the enhancement of cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner that favors bone regeneration. On the other hand, all the alloys manifested possible anticancer activity against MG-63: osteosarcoma cell line. Furthermore, our study sheds the light on the importance of Co, W and Cu as promising alloying elements. However, the antibacterial activity of the examined alloys is still questionable. Clinical relevanceThe novel nanostructured biodegradable Fe–Mn–Cu, Fe–Mn–W, and Fe–Mn–Co metal alloys offer promising bioactive materials for reconstruction of bony defects following traumatic fractures or surgical excision of tumors, In addition, they could be excellent alternatives for undegradable or non-resorbable alloys that are commonly used. Moreover, they could be used as beneficial 3D printing materials to obtain patient-specific medical implants that favor bone regeneration in addition to manufacturing of plates and screws suitable for fracture fixation.

Investigating the Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Hardness of Aluminum-Lithium Alloys.

In this study, the effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and strength (micro-hardness) of an aluminum-lithium (Al-Li) base alloy containing copper (Cu) and scandium (Sc) were investigated, with a view to enhancing the alloy performance for aerospace applications. The heat treatment conditions were investigated to understand the precipitation behavior and the mechanisms involved in strengthening. Aging was carried out at temperatures of 130 °C and 150 °C for aging times of 1 h, 2.5 h, 5 h, 10 h, 15 h, 25 h, 35 h, and 45 h at each temperature for Al-Li alloy and at 160 °C, 180 °C, and 200 °C for aging times of 5 h, 10 h, 15 h, 20 h, 25 h, and 30 h at each temperature for Al-Li-Cu and Al-Li-Cu-Sc alloys. The investigation revealed that both solution heat treatment and artificial aging had a notable impact on strengthening the hardness of the alloy. This effect was attributed to the characteristics of the precipitates, including their type, size, number density, and distribution. The addition of copper (Cu) and scandium (Sc) was observed to have an impact on grain size refinement, while Cu addition specifically affected the precipitation behavior of the alloy. It led to remarkable changes in the number density, size, and distribution of T1 (Al2CuLi) and θ' (Al2Cu) phases. As a result, the hardness of the alloy was significantly improved after the addition of Cu and Sc, in comparison with the base Al-Li alloy. The best heat treatment process was determined as: 580 °C/1 h solution treatment +150 °C/45 h artificial aging for Al-Li alloy and 505 °C/5 h solution treatment +180 °C/20 h artificial aging for Al-Li-Cu and Al-Li-Cu-Sc alloys.

Sol-gel synthesis of spherical monodispersed bioactive glass nanoparticles co-doped with boron and copper

In this work, an optimized sol-gel process for the synthesis of spherical and monodispersed bioactive glass nanoparticles doped with boron and copper was developed, by investigating different synthesis parameters. The obtained glasses were characterized in terms of morphology, composition, dispersibility, structure and in vitro reactivity. The performed characterizations demonstrated that shape, dimension and dispersion can be tailored by acting on the timing of the addition of the catalyst and on the synthesis process, in particular the centrifugation step. The optimized glass particles showed a spherical shape, good ions incorporation and good dispersion. In vitro bioactivity test demonstrated that the boron and copper addition did not interfere with the glass ability to induce the precipitation of hydroxyapatite. The shape, dispersion, bioactive behavior and content of boron and copper of these novel bioactive glass particles make them very promising for both hard and soft tissue engineering applications.

Investigation of the Structural and Mechanical Properties of ((82-X) Sn –XCu -18 In) % Alloy with X= 1,2,3,4and 5

Materials Science is concerned with the development or synthesis of new materials . For this reason our interest is focused on the fabrication of new materials , such as lead free solder alloys . Sn-In alloys offer very low melting points and bond well with copper .This study aims to investigate The Structural and mechanical properties of (82-x)Sn -18In alloys with added copper .The Samples were prepared by melting technology From high purity (99 %) elements tin ,indium and copper .XRD showed the formation of a single phase hexagonal structure with a small copper plane, and the addition of copper decreased the particle size of the (82-x)Sn -18 In. The creep test results showed that Cu-containing solder alloys exhibited significant improvements in creep resistance. However, the average activation energy decreases with copper addition from 0.322 to 0.247 eV.

Mechanism for enhanced precipitation strengthening due to the addition of copper to Al-Zn-Mg alloys with high Zn/Mg ratio

The mechanism for enhanced precipitation strengthening due to the addition of copper to Al-9.0Zn-1.5Mg (wt.%) alloys has been investigated by means of tensile test, transmission electron microscopy, anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering and three-dimensional atom probe. With the addition of copper increasing from 0% to 1.0%, and then 2.6%, the strength increment of peak-aged alloys due to precipitation strengthening increases from 274.8 MPa to 329.3 MPa, and then 343.0 MPa. Based on the copper-induced change of the parameters of clusters, GPI zones and η′ precipitates coexisting in the aged alloys, the enhanced precipitation strengthening has been discussed in detail by considering their coherent, modulus and short-order strengthening. In the alloy without copper, the coherent strengthening from η′ precipitates play a main role in precipitation strengthening. In copper-containing alloys, the contribution of clusters to strengthening become significant. The addition of copper decreases coherent strengthening and modulus strengthening from η′ precipitates, but increases modulus strengthening from GPI zones and clusters, and short-range order strengthening from clusters more apparently, and consequently enhances strength of the alloys after aging.

Ambient copper modulates immunocompetence and induces physiological responses in Penaeus monodon against white spot syndrome virus infection.

Among trace metals, copper is essential for crustaceans' normal growth and metabolism. In the present study, an attempt was made to determine whether the addition of copper in rearing water influences the physiological and immunological responses of Penaeus monodon to white spot syndrome virus infection (WSSV). Adult P. monodon were distributed in experimental tanks and exposed to 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3mgl-1 copper concentrations. After 14 days, the shrimps were challenged with WSSV and the biochemical/immune variables were determined on post-metal exposure day 14 and post-challenge days 2 and 5. Significant variations could be observed in the haemolymph (biochemical and immune) variables of P. monodon on exposure to copper and WSSV challenge. Shrimps exposed to copper at 0.1mgl-1 showed higher total haemocyte count, phenol oxidase activity, nitro blue tetrazolium salt reduction, alkaline/acid phosphatase activity, total protein, carbohydrates, lipids, glucose and cholesterol besides maximum post-challenge survival. However, exposure to copper at 0.2 and 0.3 mgl-1 increased the susceptibility to WSSV infection, showing a decrease in the biochemical/immune variables. Therefore, the present study concludes that copper in ambient water induces immunomodulation and evokes physiological responses in P. monodon at sub-lethal doses. Immunostimulatory effects elicited by copper at 0.1mgl-1 enhanced the immunocompetence and reduced the susceptibility of P. monodon to WSSV infection, conferring protection to the animals and resulting in higher survival.

Oxidative Dissolution of Cemented Tungsten Carbides in Molten Sodium Carbonate by Addition of Copper(I) Oxide as Oxidizing Agent for Tungsten Recycling

Due to the monopolized supply of tungsten resource, it is important to efficiently recycle tungsten scrap for use as a secondary resource. The recycling of tungsten from cemented carbide tools by the molten carbonate method was investigated using simulated hard and soft scrap (carbide tool tips and WC powder, respectively). The oxidative dissolution of tungsten was examined in molten Na2CO3 under Ar–O2–CO2 atmospheres at 1173 K. Based on the immersion potentials of Cu, W, Co, C, and WC–Co, Cu2O was suggested to work as an oxidizing agent for tungsten dissolution. The oxidative dissolution rate for carbide tool tips with 12.8 mol% Cu2O addition reached 57 mg h−1 for the reaction time of 2.5 h, equivalent to 0.32 mm h−1. The decrease in the dissolution rate after 2.5 h was attributed to the decrease in the Cu(I) ion concentration in the melt and the inhibition of ion diffusion by the deposited metallic Cu. No violent reaction leading to explosion was observed, even for the oxidative dissolution of fine WC powder with a large surface area. Thus, this method provides significant safety improvements compared to the molten nitrate method.Graphical

Mints not Mines: a macroscale investigation of Roman silver coinage

Although silver coins have been investigated through the lens of geological provenance to locate argentiferous ore deposits exploited in their production, we consider that this avenue of research may be a cul-de-sac, especially for studies that rely heavily on deciphering lead and silver isotope signatures that may have been altered by the addition of lead and copper (and their associated impurities) during silver refining and debasement, and by ancient recycling of coinage. Instead, we focus our attention on mints, by analysing the compositions of over 1000 silver coins from the early 1st century BC to AD 100. We propose that lead from the west Mediterranean was used exclusively to refine silver at mints in the West, and that an unknown lead supply (possibly from Macedonia), used in the East by the Late Seleucid ruler Philip I Philadelphus and later Mark Antony, was mixed with western lead. Extensive mixing of lead and/or silver coins is particularly evident under Nero and Vespasian, aligning with historically attested periods of recycling following currency reform. We further propose that coins minted in the kingdom of Mauretania used different lead and silver sources from the majority of coins minted in the western Mediterranean, and that silver coins minted at Tyre are derived from silver refined in the west Mediterranean. Coinage minted at Alexandria is consistent with debasement of recycled Roman denarii, thereby suggesting that denarii were deliberately removed from circulation to mint tetradrachms during the early Imperial Roman period.

Study of supersaturated solid solution decomposition during quenching of sheets from Al-Mg-Si aluminum alloy

This paper presents the results of a study of the stability of a supersaturated solid solution (SSS) of sheets made of thermally hardened aluminum alloy of the Al-Mg-Si system with a small addition of copper (Al-0.6Mg-1.0Si-0.2Cu) under various quenching modes. The samples were subjected to isothermal or continuous quenching with different quenching cooling rates, after which artificial aging was carried out at a temperature of 170°C. From the results of thermodynamic modeling of the equilibrium phase composition of the alloy, it was found that for the temperature range from 300 to 530°C, the presence of the β-phase (Mg2Si) is most likely. With the use of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray spectral microanalysis, it was found that during quenching, the decomposition of SSS leads to the precipitation of undesirable large particles of metastable β-type phases or equilibrium β-phase. The nucleation of the secretions is realized in the form of rod-shaped particles by a heterogeneous mechanism mainly on the surface of the α-phase dispersoids (Al15(Mn,Fe)3Si2), which thus significantly increase the quenching sensitivity of the alloy. The formation of these secretions at a low quenching rate causes, during subsequent aging, a decrease in the proportion and density of formation of strengthening particles of the β" phase, and also leads to an increase in their size and heterogeneity of distribution in the aluminum matrix, which reduces the potential of dispersion hardening during aging and corrosion resistance of the material.

Sintered Fe-Mo-Cu-Ni-Si-C Composites Produced by SiC, Nickel, and Copper Additions to Fe-Mo Powder

Sintered Fe-Mo-Cu-Ni-Si-C Composites Produced by SiC, Nickel, and Copper Additions to Fe-Mo Powder

Effect of Cu Addition on Properties of an Al-La Alloy

The effect of copper content on the microstructure and properties of an aluminum copper alloy containing lanthanum was studied by adding 0.5 wt% lanthanum and different contents of copper to the 2A12 alloy. We used a universal testing machine, Brinell hardness tester, and friction and wear testing machine to test the mechanical properties of the alloy. The microstructure and phase composition of the alloy were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that, after adding La and Cu, the alloy grain is refined, and the fracture mode changes from dissociation fracture to quasi dissociation fracture. A new phase containing La accumulates at the grain boundary. If the amount of Cu added is too large, the tendency for hot cracking increases, which can easily lead to the formation of voids or even cracks. The tensile strength and hardness of the cast alloy significantly increase with the increase in Cu addition. In the range of adding 2 wt% to 5 wt% Cu, the tensile strength and hardness of the cast alloy increases by approximately 12% and 17.84%, respectively, compared with the original alloy. With the increase in Cu addition, the elongation of the alloy first increases and then decreases, reaching its maximum value when Cu addition is 3 wt%. Adding Cu is beneficial for improving the wear resistance of the alloy. When the addition of Cu is 3 wt%, the alloy has the best wear resistance and minimum wear amount. This is due to the enrichment of La and Cu at the grain boundaries, forming new La phases or other phases with higher hardness, which changes the properties of the alloy. It shows that the content of Cu in the 2A12 alloy can be increased to 7-8% with the increasing of additional rare-earth elements, and a new Al-Cu (7 wt% to 8 wt%)-Mg (1.2 wt% to 1.8 wt%)-Mn (0.3 wt% to 0.9 wt%)-La (0.5 wt%) alloy, in which tensile strength, hardness, and elongation of the alloy are increased by 8.1%, 16%, and 79.1%, respectively, can be formed. In addition, the wear resistance of Al-La alloys also improves significantly with the addition of copper content. The coefficient of friction is reduced by 68% compared with no copper addition.