Effect of scandium on the microstructure and ageing behaviour of cast Al–6Mg alloy

Microstructural modification and grain refinement due to addition of scandium in Al–6Mg alloy has been studied. Transmission electron microscopy is used to understand the microstructure and precipitation behaviour in Al–6Mg alloy doped with scandium. It is seen from the microstructure that the dendrites of the cast Al–6Mg alloy have been refined significantly due to addition of scandium. Increasing amount of scandium leads to a greater dendrite refinement. The age hardening effect in scandium added Al–6Mg alloys has been studied by subjecting the alloys containing varying amount of scandium ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 0.6 wt.% to isochronal and isothermal ageing at various temperatures for different times. It is observed that significant hardening takes place in the aged alloys due to the precipitation of scandium aluminides.