Search

Effect of Ce addition on the microstructures, mechanical properties and electrochemical properties of Al-Cu-Mn-Mg-Fe lithium battery alloy was investigated by optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), tensile testing and electrochemical testing. Experimental results indicate that Ce addition resulted in the formation of Al8Cu4Ce phase in the Al-Cu-Mn-Mg-Fe alloy. The Ce-containing precipitates nucleated and grew up along the surface of Al6(Mn, Fe) precipitates. Al6(Mn, Fe) precipitates could be remarkably refined by Ce alloying. The aging precipitation behavior of Sˈ phases could be promoted after Ce addition to the alloy. In comparison with Ce-free alloy, the Ce-containing alloy had higher tensile strength at both low temperature and elevated temperature. Especially at 200 °C, the yield strength and tensile strength of Ce-containing alloy substantially increased by 23.4% and 27.08%, respectively. Potentiodynamic polarization testing indicated that the Ce-containing alloy had a more positive corrosion potential and a lower corrosion current density.

Development of high strength lithium battery shell alloy is highly desired for new energy automobile industry. The microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Mn-Mg-Fe alloy with different CeLa additions were investigated through optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Rietveld refinement and tensile testing. Experimental results indicate that Al 8 Cu 4 Ce and Al 6 Cu 6 La phases formed due to CeLa addition. Addition of 0.25 wt.% CeLa could promote the formation of denser precipitation of Al 20 Cu 2 Mn 3 and Al 6 (Mn, Fe) phases, which improved the mechanical properties of the alloy at room temperature. However, up to 0.50 wt.% CeLa addition could promote the formation of coarse Al 8 Cu 4 Ce phase, Al 6 Cu 6 La phase and Al 6 (Mn, Fe) phase, which resulted in weakened mechanical properties.