Abstract: A process for hardening aluminum comprises the steps of adding a magnesium hardener to molten aluminum wherein the hardener has a magnesium content in the range of 64-72 wt % based on the weight of the hardener, with a remaining portion of the hardener comprising aluminum. The process may further include the steps of preheating the hardener prior to adding the hardener to the aluminum for decreasing a temperature differential between the hardener and the aluminum so as to stabilize the hardener and prevent shattering thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing a magnesium alloy aluminum hardener comprises the steps of providing magnesium alloy scrap, wherein the scrap comprises aluminum present in a range of 1-10 wt. % based on the weight of the scrap and at least one of zinc present in a range of 0.1-3 wt. % based on the weight of the scrap and manganese present in a range of 0.1-3 wt. % based on the weight of the scrap, wherein a remaining portion of the scrap comprises magnesium; providing molten aluminum; and adding the scrap to the molten aluminum until the hardener is produced having a magnesium content in a range of 64-72 wt. % based on the weight of the hardener, with a remaining portion of the hardener comprising aluminum and at least one of zinc and manganese.

Abstract: Aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of from 0.1 to 3.0% boron, from 1 to 10% titanium and the balance essentially aluminum wherein the aluminum matrix contains TiB.sub.2 particles dispersed throughout said matrix having an average particle size of less than 1 micron, and wherein the matrix contains clusters of said TiB.sub.2 particles greater than 10 microns in size with an average of less than 4 of said clusters per 2 cm.sup.2. The alloy is prepared by adding a boron containing material selected from the group consisting of borax, boron oxide, boric acid and mixtures thereof, and K.sub.2 TiF.sub.6 to a bath of molten aluminum and stirring the molten mixture.

Abstract: Aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of from 0.1 to 3.0% boron, from 1 to 10% titanium and the balance essentially aluminum wherein the aluminum matrix contains TiB.sub.2 particles dispersed throughout said matrix having an average particle size of less than 1 micron, and wherein the matrix contains clusters of said TiB.sub.2 particles greater than 10 microns in size with an average of less than 4 of said clusters per 2 cm.sup.2. The alloy is prepared by adding a boron containing material selected from the group consisting of borax, boron oxide, boric acid and mixtures thereof, and K.sub.2 TiF.sub.6 to a bath of molten aluminum and stirring the molten mixture.