A study of Al2Ti precipitation in a Cu-modified Al3Ti alloy

Abstract
An equilibrium precipitation of Al2Ti is shown to occur within a Cu-modified Al2Ti alloy having the L12 structure. This precipitation is analyzed by conventional and high resolution electron microscopy and some insights are given concerning the mechanisms of nucleation and growth of Al2Ti within the L12 matrix. In the meantime, Vickers microhardness tests have been performed as a first approach to the mechanical behavior of this alloy and the results are compared to measurements obtained in an actual single-phased L12 compound. The Al2Ti precipitation seems to have an important hardening effect.