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A Trace Element Effect in Alloys based on the Aluminium-Zinc-Magnesium System

Abstract

THE remarkable changes in properties which may be achieved by the addition of small quantities, or traces, of certain elements to age-hardening alloy systems has aroused much interest recently. A notable example is the pronounced effect of traces of cadmium, indium, or tin on the elevated temperature ageing characteristics of aluminium–copper alloys1. Similar observations have been made in a number of alloys; but, with the exception of a study of trace element additions to ternary aluminium–copper–lithium alloys2, investigations have been confined to binary systems.

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References

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  2. Hardy, H. K., J. Inst. Metals, 84, 429 (1955–56).

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  3. Polmear, I. J., J. Inst. Metals, 86, 113 (1957–58).

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POLMEAR, I. A Trace Element Effect in Alloys based on the Aluminium-Zinc-Magnesium System. Nature 186, 303–304 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1038/186303a0

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