Effects of La addition on the elevated temperature properties of the casting Al–Cu alloy

The tensile strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures of the casting Al–Cu alloy with La addition have been investigated. The results show that La can remarkably improve the tensile strength and creep resistance of the alloy. With 0.2–1.0 wt.% La addition, Al11La3 phase is found in the grain boundaries and spaces among the dendrites in the modified alloy. The tensile strength and creep resistance of the alloy with 0.3 wt.% La addition are found to be optimum.