Correlatory Study of the Structural and Mechanical Performance of Ti/Nd Modified Al-3%Li Alloy

Abstract: Aluminium-lithium alloys remain an important class of lightweight structural materials due to their good strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, their mechanical performance is strongly influenced by microalloying additions that control grain structure and intermetallic formation. This study therefore investigates the synergistic effect of varying Ti/Nd ratios on the mechanical and microstructural properties of cast Al-3wt%Li alloy. Aluminium, lithium, titanium and neodymium powders were weighed by percent composition, melted in a steel crucible furnace, alloyed, stirred and cast into moulds. Tensile, yield, elongation and hardness tests were performed using ASTM E8M-04 standards, alongside optical and SEM microstructural evaluations. Results showed that tensile strength reached its peak when Ti = 1.2 wt% and Nd = 0.2 wt%, before decreasing with further additions. Hardness increased from 39.5 BHN (control) to 71.1 BHN at optimal Ti/Nd combinations, while elongation decreased from 12.20% to 6.57% at higher Ti content. Grain refinement, increased α-Al matrix volume and modification of β-Al₃Mg₂ morphology were observed, but excessive Ti/Nd caused grain coarsening and reduced ductility. The findings demonstrate the potential application of optimized Ti/Nd ratios in improving lightweight alloy components for aerospace and automotive structural use. Keywords: Aluminium-lithium alloy, Titanium, Neodymium, Grain refinement, Mechanical properties. Title: Correlatory Study of the Structural and Mechanical Performance of Ti/Nd Modified Al-3%Li Alloy Author: Emekwisia, Chukwudubem C., Eloke Paul, Ukwuoma Bright E., Okoye, Ifeanyi E., Olelewe Chibueze J. International Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Technology ISSN 2348-7593 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 58-66 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 27-December-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18067874 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/correlatory-study-of-the-structural-and-mechanical-performance-of-tind-modified-al-3li-alloy