Abstract: A process for producing an alloy product of improved ductility from metal powder. It includes the steps of: providing metal powder having at least 5 wt. % of one or more reactive elements from the group consisting of titanium, aluminum, hafnium, niobium, tantalum, vanadium and zirconium; consolidating the powder to an essentially fully dense shape; and progressively melting and solidifying localized areas of the consolidated shape so as to produce a product of improved ductility.

Abstract: A process for improving the properties of low density aluminum alloys comprises a controlled heat and cooling treatment of a shaped alloy to obtain a product which in the non-aged condition has improved fracture toughness without sacrificing tensile properties. The product is particularly useful for treating forged Al-Li-Mg alloys.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the embrittling tendency of lithium in aluminum-base alloy compositions containing lithium comprising incorporating silicon in the alloy composition and forming the alloy as a dispersion strengthened powder, and dispersion strengthened aluminum-base alloy compositions comprised of aluminum, lithium and silicon having improved properties.

Abstract: A method for forming intermetallic and intermetallic-type precursor alloys for subsequent mechanical alloying applications. Elemental powders are blended in proportions approximately equal to their respective intermetallic compounds. Heating of the blend results in the formation of intermetallic compounds whereas lack of heating results in intermetallic-type powder without the intermetallic structure. The resultant powder is then blended to form a final alloy. Examples involving aluminum-titanium alloys are discussed.

Abstract: A process for obtaining forged low density aluminum alloys having high strength comprising control of the extrusion and forging conditions, and dispersion strengthened Al-Mg-Li alloys derived from such process.

Abstract: A dispersion strengthened mechanically alloyed aluminum-base alloy system is provided by a process comprising solution treating an alloy consisting essentially of, by weight, about 0.5 up to about 4% lithium, above 1% up to about 5% magnesium, about 0.5% up to about 2% carbon, a small but effective amount of oxygen which does not exceed 1%, and the balance essentially aluminum, the dispersoid content of the alloy being up to about 8 volume %. Preferred embodiments of the alloy are in the solution treated or solution treated and underaged condition are characterized by an improved combination of strength, low density, ductility, and fracture toughness.

Abstract: A dispersion strengthened aluminum-base alloy system is provided which is prepared by mechanical alloying and is characterized by an improved continuation of properties over binary aluminum-lithium alloys. The alloy system contains, by weight, about 0.5% up to about 4% Li, about 0.05 up to about 2% carbon, about 0.1 up to about 3% oxygen, at least one of the elements magnesium or copper in an amount of up to about 5% each, provided the total amount of said magnesium and copper does not exceed about 8%, and a dispersion strengthening agent in the amount of about 2% up to about 8% by volume.

Abstract: A process for producing an agglomerated metallurgical composition involving contacting a flowable mass of metal powder, e.g. aluminum powder having a melting point above about 500.degree. C. with a lesser mass of alkali metal, e.g. lithium at a temperature between the melting point of the alkai metal and the melting point of the metal of the powder. The contact is made under a protective atmosphere, e.g. argon or helium and is effected by kneading the metal powder and the molten metal for sufficient time to form agglomerates of substantially uniform composition.

Abstract: An improved process for hot working of dispersion-strengthened mechanically alloyed aluminum is provided based on a disclosed unconventional response of such material to thermomechanical processing. The process permits optimization of strength and workability and the production of aluminum alloys of very high strength.

Abstract: An improved dispersion strengthened aluminum-base alloy and an improved method for producing the alloy are provided. A preferred alloy comprises, by weight, about 3 to 5% Mg, about 0.2-2.5% C, and about 0.3 to 4% O and the balance essentially aluminum.