Structure and mechanical properties of Ce-La alloys containing 3-10 wt. % La

Abstract This paper describes a study of the microstructure and mechanical properties range cerium-lanthanum (Ce-La) alloys with La contents between 3 wt. % 10 %. Ce-La are regarded as non-radioactive surrogates for delta-phase plutonium (δ-Pu) alloys. The were characterised using optical microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy X-ray diffraction while determined micro-hardness, ultrasonic velocity nanoindentation measurements. presence appears to impart degree solid solution hardening alloys, indicated by modest increase in micro-hardness increasing content; small elastic modulus content was also seen. hardness values this similar those homogenized Pu-Ga Ga-lean part δ-Pu phase field. Despite propensity undergo oxidation air, oxide thicknesses which spectroscopy, found be insufficient exert significant influence on