Structural and mechanical characterization of as-cast Al-Li-Hf alloy

An as-cast Al-Li(2%)-Hf(1%) alloy was structurally and mechanically characterized; X-ray diffraction made it possible to detect the presence of Li and Hf and to determine their effect on aluminum lattice parameter and formation of intermetallic precipitates. The crystalline quality of the Al matrix was influenced by the Li distribution into the Al lattice. The full-width-at-half- maximum was used to determine the crystalline quality of each part of the ingot. The solution of Li in the -Al matrix decreased the Al lattice parameter and the Hf was found to be present as an intermetallic precipitate, which improve the hardness of the as-cast alloy.