Hafnium in Aluminum Alloys: A Review

Lots of the available literatures on hafnium in aluminum alloys are reviewed. The new binary Al-Hf-phase diagram is simply assessed. Two ternary phase diagrams including Al-Hf-Zr and Al-Hf-Sc are accounted for, with emphasis on the aluminum rich part of the diagrams. The relationship between different structure Al3Hf and several different formation mechanisms including the probable phase transformation mechanisms is described. The continuous Al3Hf phase particles can serve as a grain refiner in the Al melt and a precipitate for controlling the grain structure of the alloy and a strengthening precipitate. A series of effects of Fe, Si, Zr, Sc and Li addition on the behavior of Al3Hf and Al alloys are given. Moreover, the effects of Hf on the microstructure and properties of Al alloys, such as hardness and creep, are reviewed. Finally, some views of Hf-containing Al alloys are summarized.