Producing improved metal alloy products (Al-Fe alloy and Al-Fe-Si alloy)

摘要

A dispersion strengthened aluminum alloy sheet is produced by casting an Al-Fe 1.1 - 2.5% alloy optionally containing Si up to 2.0% and, optionally, proportions of other specified alloying constituents. The alloy is cast in the form of a slab at a growth rate in excess of 25 cm/min. at a thickness of less than 25 mm so that intermetallics are formed in the slab in the form of fine rods of a diameter of 0.05 - 0.5 micron. These rods are then segmented by reducing the slab by at least 60% by rolling to develop a dispersion of fine intermetallic particles. By final annealing the rolled sheet at a temperature in the range of 250 DEG - 400 DEG C a sheet having a good combination of yield strength and formability is obtained (as indicated by a yield strength of greater than 15 k.s.i. and tensile elongation greater than 15%).