Effect of Cerium addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of 4004 aluminum alloy

The effects of Cerium addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 4004 aluminum alloy were investigated. The results showed that Cerium(Ce) addition can improve mechanical properties and microstructure of 4004 aluminum alloy when the percentage of Ce is below 2.0%. The best tensile properties, in which ultimate tensile strength was 220MPa and elongation was 5.6%, were obtained when the addition of Cerium were 2.0%. Meanwhile, tensile fracture slightly reveals ductile fracture. However, tensile strength and elongation decreases when Cerium content was above 2.0%.