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Abstract

Heat treatment of aluminum alloys containing Si with Sc additions improves mechanical properties of the alloys by the formation of Sc-containing dispersoids. The Al—Si—Sc alloys may include Zr or other refractory metals, and may also include Mg, Cu and/or Cr. Depending upon the cooling rate used during casting, at least some of the Sc-containing dispersoids may be present upon casting and cooling of the Al—Si alloy, in which case it may be desirable to reduce or eliminate coarsening of the as-cast dispersoids upon subsequent heat treatment. The subsequent heat treatment may also generate fresh Sc-containing dispersoids. Alternatively, the as-cast Al—Si alloy may not include Sc-containing dispersoids upon cooling, in which case the Sc-containing dispersoids may form during the heat treatment process.

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First Claim