Structure and mechanical properties of ZnAl40Cu3 alloy modified with rare earth elements

The influence of modification of rare earth elements on the structure and mechanical properties of ZnAl40Cu3 alloy is presented in this paper. The ZnAl40Cu3, ZnAl40Cu3SiM and ZnAl40Cu3Si (modified alloy) alloys were tested. The ZnAl40Cu3Si and ZnAl40Cu3 alloys were characterized and revealed a heterogeneous, fine-grained, dendritic structure. The structure of the alloy ZnAl40Cu3SiM was much more homogeneous. It was found that the addition of silicon reduces the tensile strength. Addition of rare earth elements (REE) to the alloy with silicon resulted in the re-growth of strength. It was also found that the modification of rare earth elements increases the hardness of the alloy.