Circular Aluminium Alloys (CIRCAL) – Alloy Design and Development

Research question

The important scientific challenge is how we can in a constructive way depict levels of criticality for different alloying elements and what phase formation that could take place, considering the vast range of reactions that can take place. Based on our theory-based approach involving computational materials design, we will combine this strategy with fundamental principles for solubility of different elements in aluminium matrix, their mobilities, the role of elements and precipitates for strengthening mechanisms.

Sustainability aspects

The use of aluminium via different advanced casting technology is growing. Critical to this is the use of secondary aluminium as the energy required to melt from scrap is only 5% of that of virgin material. Key is to understand how different scrap-related elements affect the microstructure and performance of the aluminium alloys. The project targets at how alloy design with respect to transition metal elements, silicon, magnesium should be tuned to realise alloy composition limits that can be combined with appropriate performance in terms strength and ductility. The project will hence set a goal in terms of alloy constitution demands which in turn the recycling industry and end users can have as a starting for the move towards circularity. The project in this sense targets the circular use of metal products at their highest value.