Mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of heat-resistant eutectic aluminum alloys: A comparative study of Al-Al 11 Ce 3 and Al-Al 3 Ni eutectics

Al-Ce alloys (2–7 wt.%) and Al-Ni alloys (2–6 wt.%) were cast, investigating the effect of the alloying element content on the microstructural evolution and concomitantly on the properties. The microstructure of hypoeutectic Al-Ce alloys consists of α-Al and lamellar Al₁₁Ce₃ eutectic phase, and that of Al-Ni alloys consists of α-Al and rod-like Al₃Ni eutectic phase. There is an increase in the volume fraction of the eutectic phase with increasing composition, which leads to an increase in the strength of the alloy and a decrease in electrical conductivity. Al-Al₃Ni eutectic performs better than Al-Al₁₁Ce₃ eutectic in balancing the strength and conductivity, which is associated with the fiber morphology of the eutectic Al₃Ni phase and its excellent coherence with the matrix.