Abstract:The active mechanisms of rare earth element erbium ( Er ) in part of aluminum alloys were investigated. Based on the investigation of the effect of the unitary rare earth elements (Er, La, Y, Ce, Nd, Gd, and Sc) and the transition element zirconium on the aluminum alloys, it is concluded that, with Er alloyed, high purity aluminum and Al-Mg alloys are featured with refined grain structure, superior heat stability and even higher hardness or tensile strength with unchanged ductility; but Er is not beneficial to the mechanical property of Al-Cu alloy, so is Sc. It may also be concluded, to most of the aluminum alloys, Er can be an effective alloying element, like Sc; and for the lower price of Er, the cost of modifying aluminum alloys by Er will be reduced.

Key words:  aluminum alloy; rare earth; erbium; scandium; misch metal; Al₃Er