Influence of Samarium (Sm) Addition on Mechanical and Tribological Performance of the Al–Mg Alloy AA5083

Abstract

Using rare earth elements as minor additives in aluminum alloys has become a promising strategy for enhancing their properties. This study specifically investigates the effects of introducing samarium (Sm) as a minor addition to the Al–Mg alloy AA5083 and analyzes the resulting changes after casting and subsequent solution treatment. The solution treatment process involved heating the alloy to 475 °C for 12 h, followed by rapid cooling in water. Various assessments, including compression testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, and wear testing, were performed to evaluate the alterations of mechanical, thermal, and tribological characteristics. The results indicate that adding Sm significantly improves the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and wear resistance of the AA5083 alloy. Wear properties demonstrate that the AA5083 alloy with 1 wt.% Sm exhibited superior performance for both as-cast and solution-treated alloys compared to other alloys. These enhancements highlight the potential of incorporating rare earth microadditions to enhance the performance characteristics of aluminum alloys for a wide range of industrial applications. © American Foundry Society 2024.