Effect of Temperature on the Mechanical Behavior of Al-Mg-Sc-Zr Alloy Tailored for PBF-LB Technology

Among high-strength materials tailored for Powder Bed Fusion - Laser Based, aluminum alloys have gained great relevance. The addition of specific elements can significantly increase the strength via precipitation hardening, solid solution and grain refinement. One of the most successful alloy solutions are the 5xxx series alloys (i.e., Al-Mg), with Sc and Zr. During the solidification, these elements generate Al3(Sc,Zr) nano particles that act as nucleation sites for grain refinement and provide great thermal stability. Because of high yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and good elongation, these materials are ideal for highdemanding applications. Commercial examples of available Al-Mg-Sc-Zr materials include StrengthAl. In basic physics research experiments, vacuum environments along with low and high temperatures are often present to reduce the influence of the outside world or to reproduce and study specific phenomena. Consequently, the development of system and components involves the use of high-performance materials and manufacturing techniques that can meet all design constraints. However, these high-demanding operating conditions need a careful characterization of material properties. Thus, the aim of the paper is to investigate the mechanical behavior of the StrengthAl at different temperatures, such as -100 °C, +22 °C, +100 °C and +200 °C. Average tensile properties, like elastic modulus, Poisson ratio, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation have been determined as temperature changes. The results highlighted the operational limits of the material in the range of ±100 °C, where it still possesses high strength and stability, due to the presence of Al3(Sc,Zr) nano particles.