LAUSR

Abstract This study investigates how minor La and Ce additions affect the microstructure and mechanical properties of A201 alloy. The results indicate that adding 0.2 wt.% La or Ce to A201 alloys could refine the grain size and led to a rise in the temperature of exothermic peak of Ω and θ' precipitates. In addition, the presence of La-rich phase or Ce-rich phase consumed the quantities of Cu atoms in the Al matrices during solidification. Neither of the phases could be dissolved during solution heat treatment, reducing the precipitation of Ω and θ' phases in A201 alloy after artificial aging heat treatment. The lower volume fraction of the Ω and θ' strengthening phases led to a decrease in hardness and tensile properties but an increase in ductility of the La-containing or Ce-containing A201 alloy.