Corrosion resistant alloy containing aluminium

Abstract

The present invention relates to an alloy containing aluminium, magnesium, and manganese, a method for the manufacture of said alloy, a product comprising said alloy, and a use of said alloy.

Description

[0001] CORROSION RESISTANT ALLOY CONTAINING ALUMINIUM

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an alloy containing aluminium and magnesium that is highly resistant to corrosion and mechanically stable, a method for the manufacture of said alloy, cast product comprising said alloy, and the use of said alloy.

[0004] Aluminium is a very light weight and, at the same time, relatively cheap material. Therefore, more and more workpieces are made from aluminium when a low weight is of importance such as in automobile construction, aerospace industry, railway, machinery and / or ship building. However, when compared to widely used steel, aluminium has certain constraints regarding the mechanical properties. Therefore, the composition of aluminium alloys is adjusted to achieve better mechanical properties.

[0005] Magnesium is well known to raise the strength of aluminium alloys and up to magnesium contents of around 3 % by mass, the alloy shows a high corrosion resistivity. To achieve even higher strength values, it would be preferable to use larger amounts of magnesium in the alloy. However, increased amount of magnesium comes with the drawback of making the alloy susceptible to intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking.

[0006] Intergranular corrosion attacks along the grain boundaries, which are regions where the material is already weakened due to the presence of alloying elements or intermetallic compounds. The corrosion process weakens the material even more, leading to localized loss of material, pitting, and ultimately intergranular cracking.

[0007] As the corrosion attack often progresses along the grain boundaries within the material, significant damage may have already occurred by the time visible signs appear. This makes it difficult to identify and address the problem before catastrophic failure occurs. In other words, intergranular corrosion often occurs within the interior of the material, hidden from external inspection. This makes it challenging to detect and monitor the progression of corrosion damage, potentially leading to unexpected failures.

[0008] When the grain boundaries inside an aluminium alloy are attacked by intergranular corrosion, and under mechanical stress or load, the weakened regions may give way, resulting in sudden fractures or catastrophic failure. Therefore, intergranular corrosion can lead to sudden, unpredictable failure of the material without any prior warning signs. This poses a serious safety risk, especially in applications where the failure can have severe consequences, including but not limited to aerospace, automotive, or structural engineering applications.

[0009] In other words, aluminium alloys show significant drawbacks for applications in which they are usually favoured for their excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

[0010] On the other hand, AIMg alloys are renowned for their favourable mechanical properties, particularly the impressive combination of elevated tensile strength and elongation / ductility. Moreover, they exhibit commendable resistance to corrosion from saltwater. Furthermore, the incorporation of higher levels of magnesium in these alloys reduces the density, resulting in enhanced efficiency within the automotive and aviation sectors. However, it is understood that the corrosion behaviour of the AIMg alloy deteriorates when the magnesium content exceeds 4.5 % by mass. The presence of an AhMg2-phase (sometimes also marked as AhMgs, or p-phase) has been identified as the primary reason for this phenomenon. The A Mg2-phase forms during cooling of an aluminium alloy: At a temperature of 450 °C, magnesium can be dissolved in aluminium in a concentration of up to 17 % by mass. However, this solubility decreases to 2 % by mass at 100 °C and further drops to 0.2 % by mass at room temperature. Consequently, the magnesium incorporated into the aluminium grains tends to precipitate, particularly when exposed to elevated temperatures. This limitation restricts the application areas for AIMg alloys despite their advantages associated with high magnesium content.

[0011] Typically, the 0-phase is formed directly at the grain boundaries due to the presence of precipitated magnesium. Said precipitates then form small particles (plaques) with aluminium at the grain boundaries. If the precipitation process persists, it can lead to the formation of a precipitation layer that surrounds the grains in the aluminium alloy. Thereby, the P-phase exhibits a higher anodic character compared to the nearby aluminium grains, making them more prone to corrosion. As a consequence, aluminium alloys containing a magnesium content exceeding 4.5 % by mass exhibit a significantly elevated risk of intergranular corrosion. Even alloys with lower magnesium content can develop plaques of the 3-phase at a temperature of 70 °C within a year, and eventually form a layer surrounding the grains in an aluminium alloy within three years.

[0012] In conclusion, the skilled person searching for aluminium alloys for aerospace applications, automotive construction, railway, machinery, ship building, and / or other structural engineering applications is trapped in a dilemma of choosing between components having low weight, and high mechanical strength, or high corrosion resistance.

[0013] Summary of the disclosure

[0014] Therefore, it is understood that there is an urgent need to provide an aluminium alloy that combines all of the above features, that is an aluminium alloy having excellent mechanical properties in terms of strength, such as yield strength and / or tensile strength, and at the same time is highly resistant to corrosion.

[0015] It has now been surprisingly found that the aluminium alloys of the present disclosure have good mechanical properties, in particular high tensile strength and high yield strength, while also being highly resistant to intergranular corrosion. Thus, the aluminium alloys of the present disclosure have highly desirable properties for use in aerospace and automotive applications, including their use in electric vehicles.

[0016] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an aluminium alloy comprising a) of from 7.5 to 14 % by mass of magnesium (Mg); b) of from 0.011 to 0.5 % by mass of titanium (Ti); c) of from 0.0009 to 0.2 % by mass of boron (B); d) at least one of i) from 0.002 to 0.1 % by mass of beryllium (Be) and / or ii) of from 0.0005 to 0.1 % by mass of calcium; e) of from 0.1 to 1.5 % by mass of manganese (Mn); f) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of chromium (Cr); g) of from 0 to 3 % by mass of molybdenum (Mo); h) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of vanadium (V); i) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of nickel (Ni); j) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of zirconium (Zr); k) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of cobalt (Co); l) of from 0 to 0.7 % by mass of iron (Fe); m) of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass of silicon (Si); wherein the aluminium alloy further comprises inevitable impurities; with the balance being aluminium (Al); each amount in relation to the total mass of the alloy composition, and wherein all compounds of the alloy add up to a total of 100 % by mass.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure as disclosed above, comprising the steps of a) Providing a raw aluminium; b) Heating the raw aluminium to a temperature in the range of from 650 to 850 °C, preferably from 750 to 850 °C; c) Adding Be and / or Ca d) Adding Mg and Mn to result in a raw alloy; e) Optionally degassing the raw alloy; f) Adding Ti and B to the optionally degassed raw alloy to provide the aluminium alloy in liquid form.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to an aluminium alloy product comprising the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure as disclosed above.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure relates to an aluminium alloy product prepared by the method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure as disclosed above.

[0020] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to use of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect disclosed herein in in automotive construction, and / or in aerospace industry, railway, machinery, and / or in ship building.

[0021] Short Description of Fiqures

[0022] Fig. 1 : Phase diagram of sample No. 1 according to Example 1 obtained by a phase simulation with ThermoCalc 2022b, using database TCAL8. 1 : Liquid fraction; 2: FCC phase; 3: p-phase; 4: remainders.

[0023] Fig. 2: Electron microscopical picture of a cross section of sample No. 1 according to Example 1.

[0024] Detailed Description

[0025] The aluminium alloy

[0026] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an aluminium alloy comprising a) of from 7.5 to 14 % by mass of magnesium (Mg); b) of from 0.011 to 0.5 % by mass of titanium (Ti); c) of from 0.0009 to 0.2 % by mass of boron (B); d) at least one of i) of from 0.002 to 0.1 % by mass of beryllium (Be) and / or ii) of from 0.0005 to 0.1 % by mass of calcium (Ca); e) of from 0.1 to 1.5 % by mass of manganese (Mn); f) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of chromium (Cr); g) of from 0 to 3 % by mass of molybdenum (Mo); h) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of vanadium (V); i) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of nickel (Ni); j) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of zirconium (Zr); k) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of cobalt (Co); l) of from 0 to 0.7 % by mass of iron (Fe); m) of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass of silicon (Si); wherein the aluminium alloy further comprises inevitable impurities; with the balance being aluminium (Al); each amount in relation to the total mass of the alloy composition, and wherein all compounds of the alloy add up to a total of 100 % by mass.

[0027] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an aluminium alloy comprising a) of from 8 to 14 % by mass of magnesium (Mg); b) of from 0.011 to 0.5 % by mass of titanium (Ti); c) of from 0.0009 to 0.2 % by mass of boron (B); d) of from 0.002 to 0.1 % by mass of beryllium (Be); e) of from 0.1 to 1.5 % by mass of manganese (Mn); f) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of chromium (Cr); g) of from 0 to 3 % by mass of molybdenum (Mo); h) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of vanadium (V); i) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of nickel (Ni); j) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of zirconium (Zr); k) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of cobalt (Co); l) of from 0 to 0.7 % by mass of iron (Fe); m) of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass of silicon (Si); wherein the aluminium alloy further comprises inevitable impurities; with the balance being aluminium (Al); each amount in relation to the total mass of the alloy composition, and wherein all compounds of the alloy add up to a total of 100 % by mass.

[0028] It has been surprisingly found that the aluminium alloy of the first aspect has an excellent resistance to corrosion as confirmed with the method according to ASTM G67, while at the same time maintaining the excellent mechanical properties of aluminium alloys containing a high amount of magnesium, that are a high tensile strength (Rm) and high yield strength (Rpo.2). In particular, this applies to aluminium alloy products when prepared by casting methods.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the inevitable impurities are present in an amount of less than 0.15 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.1 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.05 % by mass. This relates to the total amount of impurities as present in the alloy.

[0030] In other words, it is a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure that the amount of all impurities taken together is less than 0.15 % by mass, preferably less than 0.1 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of less than 0.05 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, each individual impurity is present in an amount of less than 0.05 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.01 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.001 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.0001 % by mass. If more than one impurity is present, each impurity is termed as “individual impurity”. The amount of each individual impurity is preferably less than the respective given amount, and the sum of the amounts of each individual impurity results in the total amount of impurities.

[0031] One of these individual impurities may be thallium (Ta), resulting in an amount of Ta of less than 0.05 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.01 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.001 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.0001 % by mass.

[0032] Another one of these individual impurities may be gallium (Ga), resulting in an amount of Ga of less than 0.05 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.01 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.001 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.0001 % by mass.

[0033] Still another one of these individual impurities may be indium (In), resulting in an amount of In of less than 0.05 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.01 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.001 % by mass, or in an amount of less than 0.0001 % by mass.

[0034] Other examples of individual impurities include cerium (Ce), hafnium (Hf), lanthanum (La), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), yttrium (Y), or phosphor (P).

[0035] As one of the essential elements, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains magnesium (Mg) as a main ingredient in an amount of from 7.5 to 14 % by mass.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 8 to 14 % by mass. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 8 to 13 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 8 to 12.5 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 8 to 12 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 8.5 to 11.5 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 9.0 to 11.0 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 10.0 to 11.0 % by mass. In an even further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 10.3 to 10.6 % by mass. In an even further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 10.5 to 10.7 % by mass. In an even further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 10.55 to 10.65 % by mass. In a most preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of about 10.6 % by mass.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 10.2 to 10.4 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of from 10.25 to 10.35 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mg is present in an amount of about 10.3 % by mass.

[0038] It is understood that Mg is added to provide the strength and elongation to the resultant aluminium alloy product. If Mg is present in an amount of less than 7.5 % by weight or less than 8 % by weight, the yield strength and elongation of the aluminium alloy products is reduced. On the other hand, when the Mg content exceeds 14 % by mass, the ductility of aluminium alloy products is decreased, making them prone to cracking and fracture under stress. Furthermore, higher levels of magnesium can make aluminium alloys more challenging to weld. The presence of high amounts of magnesium can result in the formation of unwanted intermetallic compounds during the welding process, leading to weak joints.

[0039] On the other hand, it is understood that magnesium has a lower corrosion resistance compared to aluminium. When aluminium alloys with high magnesium content are exposed to corrosive environments, such as saltwater or acidic solutions, the increased magnesium can accelerate the corrosion process, leading to reduced longevity and structural integrity. In other words, aluminium alloys with high magnesium content are more susceptible to intergranular corrosion, which occurs along the grain boundaries of the material. This type of corrosion can significantly weaken the alloy, making it more prone to failure.

[0040] However, the inventors of the present application have surprisingly found that the aluminium alloys according to the present disclosure do not only provide for excellent mechanical properties as shown in example 2, but are not prone to corrosion despite the high content of magnesium in the aluminium alloys as shown in example 3. In other words, the inventors of the present disclosure have surprisingly found a way of making use of aluminium alloys having a high content of magnesium and at the same time do not corrode even in high stress situations of the ASTM G67 test setup.

[0041] These excellent properties are maintained even if the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises an intermetallic P-phase. The p-phase is intermetallic AhMg2 and precipitates in an aluminium alloy casting at the grain boundaries during cooling and is very anodic compared to the matrix. Therefore, the presence of the AhMg2-P-phase significantly increases the risk of intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion of aluminium alloys.

[0042] However, the inventors of the present disclosure have surprisingly found that the aluminium alloys according to the present disclosure are resistant to corrosion despite the presence of the Al3Mg2-P-phase. As can be concluded from Figure 1 of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloys of the first aspect may contain a phase fraction of the AhMg2-P-phase of about 0.25 at room temperature. However, it has been shown in example 2 of the present disclosure that the aluminium alloys are still highly resistant to corrosion despite the presence of the A Mg2-P-phase promoting intergranular corrosion.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy has a phase fraction of A Mg2-P-phase of 0.05 or more. According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a phase fraction of Al3Mg2- -phase of 0.10 or more. According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a phase fraction of Al3Mg2-P-phase of 0.15 or more. According to a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a phase fraction of AhMg2-P-phase of 0.20 or more.

[0044] According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a phase fraction of AhMg2-pphase of 0.50 or less. According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a phase fraction of A Mg2-Pphase of 0.40 or less. According to a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a phase fraction of AhMg2-Pphase of 0.30 or less. As the aluminium alloys according to the first aspect of the present disclosure do not lose the corrosion resistance despite the presence of the AhMg2-p-phase, the aluminium alloys can be prepared in a convenient and cost efficient manner without rapid cooling or quenching.

[0045] Another essential element in the composition of the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is titanium (Ti), present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.5 % by mass in relation to the total mass of the aluminium alloy composition. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of from 0.011 to 0.45 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.35 % by mass.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.30 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.25 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of from 0.12 to 0.25 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of from 0.12 to 0.20 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of from 0.13 to 0.18 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of from 0.13 to 0.15 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of from 0.13 to 0.14 % by mass. In an further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of about 0.14 % by mass.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.40 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.35 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.20 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.18 % by mass or less. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less. In an even further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.14 % by mass or less.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.011 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.015 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.12 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ti is present in an amount of 0.13 % by mass or more.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, boron (B) is present in an amount of from 0.0009 to 0.20 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.002 to 0.08 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.003 to 0.06 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.004 to 0.04 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.006 to 0.02 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.008 to 0.02 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.010 to 0.02 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.012 to 0.02 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.014 to 0.02 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.016 to 0.02 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of from 0.017 to 0.019 % by mass. In an even further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of about 0.018 % by mass.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.002 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.003 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.004 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.006 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.010 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.012 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.014 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.016 % by mass or more. In an even further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.017 % by mass or more.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.06 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.04 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.03 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.02 % by mass or less. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.019 % by mass or less. In an even further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, B is present in an amount of 0.018 % by mass or less.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, Ti and B are added to the aluminium alloy melt together, further preferably in bars containing Ti and B in a ration of Ti:B of about 5:1 , about 3:1 or about 1 ,6:1,4, such as TiBloy®. However, the ration of Ti and B in the final alloy may differ from the ratio of Ti and B when added to the melt. Without being bound to said theory, it is assumed that some of the B is removed when removing the dross from the melt. Said dross is removed as it contains agglomerated impurities which are not desired in the final alloy. It is furthermore assumed that B is enriched in said dross, in particular in relation to Ti, due to the low specific weight of B. As such, it is preferred that the ration of Ti:B in the final alloy is in the range of from 3:1 to 10:1, preferably 5:1 to 10:1.

[0053] Ti and B form TiB2 in the molten alloy. Hence, TiB2 acts as nucleating agent during solidification of the molten aluminium alloy and hence refines the alloy. Thus, both strength and ductility are increased. The aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains manganese (Mn) in an amount of from 0.10 to 1.0 % by mass in relation to the total mass of the aluminium alloy composition. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 1.0 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.5 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.3 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.2 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.15 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.13 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.12 % by mass. In an even further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.11 % by mass. In a most further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of about 0.10 % by mass.

[0054] The aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains manganese (Mn) in an amount of from 0.11 to 1.0 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 1.0 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.5 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.3 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.2 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.15 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.13 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.12 % by mass.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount 1.0 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of 0.50 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of 0.20 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less.

[0056] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of more than 0.10 %. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mn is present in an amount of 0.11 % by mass or more.

[0057] The inventors of the present disclosure have surprisingly found that manganese can efficiently inhibit corrosion of aluminium alloys containing high amounts of magnesium. Although such aluminium alloys comprising magnesium in an amount of at least 8 % by mass and up to 14 % by mass based on the total mass of the aluminium alloy are particularly prone to intergranular corrosion, an amount of manganese as small as 0.10 % or more than that is effective to prevent intergranular corrosion in such aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure (see example 2 of the present disclosure). On the other hand, the mechanical properties of the aluminium alloy remain unchanged as is shown in example 3 of the present disclosure. The aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains chromium (Cr) in an amount of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass in relation to the total mass of the aluminium alloy composition. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.40 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.30 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.20 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.15 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.12 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.11 % by mass. In an even further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.10 % by mass.

[0058] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.15 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.10 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.05 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.03 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.015 to 0.025 % by mass.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount 0.40 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of 0.20 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0060] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of more than 0.05 %. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or more. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or more.

[0061] The inventors of the present disclosure have surprisingly found that chromium, especially when used in combination with manganese, can efficiently inhibit corrosion of aluminium alloys containing high amounts of magnesium. Although such aluminium alloys comprising magnesium in an amount of at least 8 % by mass and up to 14 % by mass based on the total mass of the aluminium alloy are particularly prone to intergranular corrosion, an amount of chromium as small as 0.10 % or more than that is effective to prevent intergranular corrosion in such aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure (see example 2 of the present disclosure).

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn) in a combined amount of 1.50 % by mass or less in relation to the total mass of the aluminium alloy composition. In other words, the amounts of Cr and Mn taken together constitute for 1.50 % by mass or less of the total mass of the aluminium alloy composition of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr and Mn are present in a combined amount of 0.70 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr and Mn are present in a combined amount of 0.50 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr and Mn are present in a combined amount of 0.40 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr and Mn are present in a combined amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr and Mn are present in a combined amount of 0.25 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr and Mn are present in a combined amount of 0.20 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr and Mn are present in a combined amount of 0.15 % by mass or less.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains Cr and Mn in a combined amount of 0.11 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr and Mn are present in a combined amount of 0.15 % by mass or more.

[0065] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.15 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.50 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.10 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.50 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.05 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.15 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.03 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.12 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.015 to 0.025 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.11 % by mass.

[0066] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.15 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.50 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.10 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.50 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.05 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.15 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.03 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.12 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.015 to 0.025 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of about 0.11 % by mass.

[0067] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.40 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.50 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.30 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.50 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.20 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.15 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.15 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.12 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.12 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.11 % by mass.

[0068] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.40 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.50 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.30 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.50 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.20 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.15 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.15 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.12 % by mass. In a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Cr is present in an amount of from 0.09 to 0.12 % by mass and Mn is present in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.11 % by mass.

[0069] Also, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains molybdenum (Mo) in an amount of 3.0 % by mass or less. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 1.5 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 1.0 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 0.8 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 0.50 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0070] In other words, it is yet further preferred that Mo is present as an inevitable impurity, i.e. , not actively added to the aluminium alloy.

[0071] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Mo is present in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more.

[0072] Also, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains vanadium (V) in an amount of 0.50 % by mass or less. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.40 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0073] In other words, it is yet further preferred that V is present as an inevitable impurity, i.e., not actively added to the aluminium alloy. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, V is present in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more.

[0074] It is understood that V is added to the aluminium alloy composition in combination with Be to prevent oxidation of the molten metal at the time of melting and casting of the alloy.

[0075] Also, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains nickel (Ni) in an amount of 0.5 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.40 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0076] In other words, it is yet further preferred that Ni is present as an inevitable impurity, i.e. , not actively added to the aluminium alloy.

[0077] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ni is present in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more.

[0078] Also, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains cobalt (Co) in an amount of 0.5 % by mass or less. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.40 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0079] In other words, it is yet further preferred that Co is present as an inevitable impurity, i.e., not actively added to the aluminium alloy.

[0080] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Co is present in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more. It is understood that both Ni and Co are added to the aluminium alloys to increase the temperature of recrystallization. Furthermore, Ni and Co can bind excess Mg thus preventing the precipitation of coarse particles of Mg during casting and cooling of the liquid aluminium alloy.

[0081] Also, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains zirconium (Zr) in an amount of 0.5 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.40 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0082] In other words, it is yet further preferred that Zr is present as an inevitable impurity, i.e. , not actively added to the aluminium alloy.

[0083] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Zr is present in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more.

[0084] Zirconium may be added for grain refinement and to enhance the strength of the aluminium alloys. Even small amounts serve as nuclei during solidification of a molten aluminium alloy, so that it solidifies in many places at the same time, which results in a finer structure after casting.

[0085] Also, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure contains iron (Fe) in an amount of 0.7 % by mass or less. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount 0.5 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.40 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0086] In other words, it is yet further preferred that Fe is present as an inevitable impurity, i.e., not actively added to the aluminium alloy.

[0087] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of from 0.005 to 0.5 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of from 0.008 to 0.30 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Fe is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.10 % by mass.

[0088] Another element in the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is beryllium (Be), present in an amount of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass in relation to the total mass of the aluminium alloy composition. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.002 to 0.09 % by mass. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.003 to 0.08 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.004 to 0.05 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.005 to 0.02 % by mass.

[0089] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.002 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.003 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.004 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.005 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.009 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.015 % by mass or more.

[0090] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.10 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.05 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.03 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Be is present in an amount of from 0.02 % by mass or less.

[0091] It is understood that Be is added to prevent oxidation of the molten metal at the time of melting and casting of the alloy. Be also prevents loss of Mg and superficial change of colour which usually results from oxidation of the slab during melting, extrusion and / or heat treatment. When the Be content is less than 0.002 % by mass, Be is unable to effective prevent oxidation of the alloy composition. On the other hand, a Be content of more than 0.2 % by mass results in toxicity which substantially impairs the manufacturing process.

[0092] Another element in the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is calcium (Ca), present in an amount of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass in relation to the total mass of the aluminium alloy composition. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.0005 to 0.1 % by mass. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.0007 to 0.08 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.0010 to 0.05 % by mass. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.0015 to 0.01 % by mass.

[0093] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.0005 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.0007 % by mass or more. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.0010 % by mass or more. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.0015 % by mass or more.

[0094] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.10 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.08 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.05 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Ca is present in an amount of from 0.01 % by mass or less.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally to Be, Ca can be added to prevent oxidation of the molten metal at the time of melting and casting of the alloy. It is understood that Ca is added to prevent oxidation of the molten metal at the time of melting and casting of the alloy.

[0096] When the alloy does not comprise Be and the Ca content is less than 0.0005 % by mass, Ca is unable to effective prevent oxidation of the alloy composition. On the other hand, a Ca content of more than 0.1 % by mass results in toxicity which substantially impairs the manufacturing process and does not further provide additional antioxidative effect.

[0097] Hence, in the sense of the present disclosure, it is understood that the aluminium alloy according to the first embodiment of the present comprises at least one of Be and / or Ca, preferably in an effective amount as indicated herein to prevent oxidation of the molten metal.

[0098] Another element in the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is silicon (Si), present in an amount of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass in relation to the total mass of the aluminium alloy composition. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Si is present in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Si is present in an amount of 0.07 % by mass or less. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Si is present in an amount of 0.06 % by mass or less. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, Si is present in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0099] It is understood that Si is added to the aluminium alloys to enhance the strength of the aluminium alloy by solid solution strengthening. Furthermore, Si binds excess Mg thus preventing the precipitation of coarse particles of Mg. Upon crystallization, Si and Mg form Mg2Si intermetallic compounds, which increases the strength through precipitation hardening. On the other hand, elongation / ductility is reduced. Therefore, Si may only be added to alloys having a high elongation, such as 50 % or more, to further improve its strength. In other words, Si is added to alloy having an elongation of 50 % or more.

[0100] In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure optionally further comprises at least one element in an amount of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass in relation to the total mass of the aluminium alloy composition, wherein the at least one element is selected from the group consisting of Molybdenum (Mo), Hafnium (Hf), Calcium (Ca), Gallium (Ga), Scandium (Sc), Niobium (Nb), and Cerium (Ce). In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, said at least one element is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.2 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one element is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass. In another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, said at least one element is present in an amount of from 0 to 0.05 % by mass. It is understood that the aluminium alloys according to the first aspect of the present disclosure are highly resistant to corrosion as shown in example 2.

[0101] Accordingly, it is a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure that the aluminium alloy has a specific weight loss of 50 mg / m2or less. According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a specific weight loss of 40 mg / m2or less. According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a specific weight loss of 30 mg / m2or less. According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a specific weight loss of 20 mg / m2or less. According to a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a specific weight loss of 15 mg / m2or less. According to a yet further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy has a specific weight loss of 12 mg / m2or less. The specific weight loss is determined according to ASTM G67-13.

[0102] The method of manufacturing of an aluminium alloy

[0103] In a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure as disclosed above, comprising the steps of a) Providing a raw aluminium; b) Heating the raw aluminium to a temperature in the range of from 650 to 850 °C, preferably from 750 to 850 °C; c) Adding Be and / or Ca; d) Adding Mg and Mn to result in a raw alloy; e) Optionally degassing the raw alloy; f) Adding Ti and B to the optionally degassed raw alloy to provide the aluminium alloy in liquid form.

[0104] In an alternative embodiment of the second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure as disclosed above, comprising the steps of a) Providing a raw aluminium; b) Heating the raw aluminium to a temperature in the range of from 650 to 850 °C, preferably from 750 to 850 °C; c) Adding Mg, Be, and Mn to result in a raw alloy; d) Optionally degassing the raw alloy; e) Adding Ti and B to the optionally degassed raw alloy to provide the aluminium alloy in liquid form.

[0105] The raw aluminium is preferably provided having a low amount of impurities, preferably having a level of impurity of 0.3 % by mass or less in relation to the total mass of the raw aluminium. The raw aluminium is then heated in a furnace to a temperature melting the aluminium, but not heating the aluminium too high, in particular not above 900 °C, in order to avoid the formation of excess oxidation products. It is therefore preferred to heat the raw aluminium to a temperature in the range of from 650 to 850 °C. In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the raw aluminium is heated to a temperature in the range of from 750 to 700 °C. In a further preferred embodiment, the raw aluminium is heated to a temperature in the range of from 750 to 770 °C. Prior to the addition of the raw aluminium to the furnace, the furnace may be pre-heated, preferably to a temperature in the range of from 400 to 900 °C.

[0106] Once the raw aluminium is melted, Mg, Be, and Mn are added. As these metals are added in solid form, the temperature of the melt will drop. It is therefore preferred to re-heat the aluminium melt to a previously defined temperature or temperature range, or to maintain the previously defined temperature or temperature range during addition of the metals.

[0107] Alternatively, once the raw aluminium is melted, Be and / or Ca are added. Furthermore, Mg and Mn are added. As these metals are added in solid form, the temperature of the melt will drop. It is therefore preferred to re-heat the aluminium melt to a previously defined temperature or temperature range, or to maintain the previously defined temperature or temperature range during addition of the metals.

[0108] Furthermore, the further optional elements, such as Cr, Fe, Mo, Zr, V, Ni, Co, and / or Si, may be added during this step.

[0109] The resulting raw aluminium alloy may then optionally be degassed using usual measures. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the degassing may be supported by argon or nitrogen gas as purging gas.

[0110] After the addition of the above listed elements, and the optional degassing step, Ti and optionally B are added in a final step. In this step, also the further elements of the aluminium alloy can be added. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, iron, chromium, zirconium, vanadium, silicon, nickel, molybdenum, and / or cobalt are added. As these metals are added in solid form, the temperature of the melt will drop. It is therefore preferred to reheat the aluminium melt to a previously defined temperature or temperature range, or to maintain the previously defined temperature or temperature range during addition of the metals.

[0111] Furthermore, the raw aluminium alloy is refined.

[0112] After the addition of the above listed elements, the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect is provided in a liquid form.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the final aluminium alloy according to the first aspect in liquid form is then formed by a method of primary shaping, such as the methods according to group 1.1 of DIN 8580. All preferred embodiments according to the first aspect as outlined above also apply, mutatis mutandis, to the second aspect.

[0114] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further comprises the step of casting the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect in liquid form, removing the mould to provide an aluminium alloy casting; and optionally treating the aluminium alloy casting.

[0115] The aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure in liquid form may be used in any known casting method, and the casting method is not limited by the aluminium of the present application. In particular, it may be used in any known casting method used for standard AIMg10 aluminium alloys.

[0116] The liquid aluminium alloy may be cast into a mould. According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, casting of the aluminium alloy in liquid form is sand mould casting. According to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, casting of the aluminium alloy in liquid form is steel mould casting. According to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, casting of the aluminium alloy in liquid form is or high pressure die casting. According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, casting of the aluminium alloy in liquid form is rheo casting.

[0117] After cooling the mould, it may be removed, providing an aluminium alloy casting comprising the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0118] As the aluminium alloys according to the first aspect of the present disclosure are highly resistant to corrosion despite the presence of the A Mg2-p-phase, cooling of the aluminium alloy casting can be carried out under an air atmosphere. A fast cooling or quenching is not required. Therefore, the method of the second aspect of the present disclosure is cost efficient and does not require the difficult handling of hot aluminium alloy castings.

[0119] The aluminium alloy casting may then optionally be further processed in a usual and known manner.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect. In another preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature of at least 380 °C. In another preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature of at least 400 °C. In another preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature of at least 430 °C. In another preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature of at least 450 °C.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above fora period of less than 48 h. In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above fora period of less than 36 h. In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above fora period of less than 24 h. In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above fora period of less than 18 h. In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above fora period of less than 16 h. In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above fora period of less than 12 h.

[0122] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above fora period of at least 10 min. According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above for a period of at least 1 h. According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above for a period of at least 3 h. According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above for a period of at least 6 h. According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above for a period of at least 12 h. According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above fora period of at least 24 h.

[0123] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is assumed that during said heat treatment, a phase transition takes place in the aluminium alloy casting, which increases the tensile strength, the yield strength, and / or the elongation of the aluminium alloy casting. Furthermore, it can be concluded from the results of example 2 of the present disclosure that a heat treatment can increase the stability to corrosion.

[0124] After the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) of the method according to the second aspect by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature as defined above for a period as defined above, the aluminium alloy casting is cooled in air at ambient temperature (e.g., a temperature in the range of 20 to 25 °C).

[0125] Again, as the aluminium alloys according to the first aspect of the present disclosure are highly resistant to corrosion despite the presence of the Al3Mg2-P-phase, cooling of the aluminium alloy casting can be carried out under an air atmosphere. A fast cooling or quenching is not required. Therefore, the method of the second aspect of the present disclosure is cost efficient and does not require the difficult handling of hot aluminium alloy castings.

[0126] The aluminium alloy product

[0127] In a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to an aluminium alloy product comprising or consisting of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure as disclosed above. According to a preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy product is an aluminium alloy casting.

[0128] It is understood that the microstructure of aluminium alloy castings is significantly different from aluminium products produced by extrusion or other wrought applications. Aluminium products that are prepared by methods of extrusion are prepared from an aluminium alloy having a coarse grain structure to provide for sufficient deformation characteristics, i.e. good formability, which are essential for successful extrusion. In other words, it is essential for aluminium billets that are suitable for extrusion or other wrought applications to have a coarse grain structure. Only during forming, e.g. by extrusion, the grains are aligned on planes parallel to the direction of extrusion, the microstructure is refined and the mechanical strength is increased. Therefore, it is understood that the grains contained in aluminium products produced by extrusion or other wrought application have a high aspect ratio.

[0129] On the other hand, it is understood that the aluminium alloy products that have been prepared by casting methods show a fine grain structure already after casting.

[0130] In conclusion, aluminium alloy castings have a considerably different microstructure than extruded aluminium products and aluminium products formed by other wrought applications. The same is true for aluminium billets that are suitable for such extrusion or other wrought applications.

[0131] This is further confirmed in Figure 2 of the present disclosure: As shown there, the aluminium alloy product according to the present disclosure does not show large grains.

[0132] In one embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 150 MPa. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 190 MPa. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 250 MPa. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 280 MPa. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 300 MPa.

[0133] In one embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has a yield strength Rpo.2 of at least 100 MPa. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has a yield strength Rpo.2 of at least 120 MPa. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has a yield strength Rpo.2 of at least 130 MPa. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has a yield strength Rpo.2 of at least 140 MPa.

[0134] In one embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 2 %. In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 4 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 7 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 10 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 12 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 15 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 18 %. In a yet further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 20 %.

[0135] The inventors of the present disclosure have surprisingly found that the aluminium alloys of the aluminium alloy products according to the third aspect of the present disclosure show highly favourable mechanical properties for use in crash applications, such as in automotive industry. As is shown in Example 3 of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy products according to the third aspect of the present disclosure show high strength in terms of yield strength Rmand tensile strength Rp0.2, despite the presence of manganese and / or chromium. At the same time, the aluminium alloy products according to the third aspect of the present disclosure are highly resistant to corrosion. This unique combination of properties is optimal for the use of the aluminium alloy products according to the third aspect of the present disclosure in devices which are frequently used in corrosive environments, such as high-temperature and / or high-humidity conditions and / or in the presence of aggressive ions, such as chloride ions. Therefore, it is understood that the aluminium alloy products according to the third aspect of the present disclosure can be advantageously used in automotive construction, particularly in the manufacture of electric vehicles, and / or aerospace industry, railway, machinery, and / or in ship building.

[0136] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure relates to an aluminium alloy product prepared by the method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure as disclosed above.

[0137] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy product is an aluminium alloy casting.

[0138] It is understood that the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect has the same, i.e. identical, microstructure as the aluminium alloy product of the third aspect of the present disclosure as discussed above.

[0139] In one embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 150 MPa. In a preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 190 MPa. In a preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 250 MPa. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 280 MPa. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has a tensile strength Rmof at least 300 MPa.

[0140] In one embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has a yield strength Rpo.2 of at least 100 MPa. In a preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has a yield strength Rpo.2 of at least 120 MPa. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has a yield strength Rpo.2 of at least 130 MPa. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has a yield strength Rpo.2 of at least 140 MPa.

[0141] In one embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 2 %. In a preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 4 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 7 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 10 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 12 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 15 %. In a further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 18 %. In a yet further preferred embodiment, the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an elongation A of at least 20 %.

[0142] The inventors of the present disclosure have surprisingly found that the aluminium alloys of the aluminium alloy products according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure show highly favourable mechanical properties for use in crash applications, such as in automotive industry. As is shown in Example 3 of the present disclosure, the aluminium alloy products according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure show high strength in terms of yield strength Rmand tensile strength Rpo.2, despite the presence of manganese and / or chromium. At the same time, the aluminium alloy products according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure are highly resistant to corrosion. This unique combination of properties is optimal for the use of the aluminium alloy products according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure in devices which are frequently used in corrosive environments, such as high-temperature and / or high-humidity conditions and / or in the presence of aggressive ions, such as chloride ions. Therefore, it is understood that the aluminium alloy products according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be advantageously used in automotive construction, particularly in the manufacture of electric vehicles, and / or aerospace industry, railway, machinery, and / or in ship building. The use of an aluminium alloy

[0143] According to a preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect disclosed herein, or to the use of an aluminium alloy product according to the third or fourth aspect disclosed herein in automotive construction. According to a further preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect disclosed herein, or to the use of an aluminium alloy product according to the third or fourth aspect disclosed herein in the manufacture of an electric vehicle.

[0144] According to a preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect disclosed herein, or to the use of an aluminium alloy product according to the third or fourth aspect disclosed herein in aerospace industry.

[0145] According to a preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect disclosed herein, or to the use of an aluminium alloy product according to the third or fourth aspect disclosed herein in railway.

[0146] According to a preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect disclosed herein, or to the use of an aluminium alloy product according to the third or fourth aspect disclosed herein in machinery.

[0147] According to a preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of an aluminium alloy according to the first aspect disclosed herein, or to the use of an aluminium alloy product according to the third or fourth aspect disclosed herein in ship building. The inventors of the present disclosure have surprisingly found that the aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure show low density, high mechanical strength and high resistance to corrosion, as shown in examples 2 and 3. Therefore, said aluminium alloys can be advantageously used in applications having high requirements as regards the weight, strength, and durability of components, such as the fields disclosed above.

[0148] Definitions and general embodiments

[0149] The present invention as illustratively described in the following may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein.

[0150] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain figures but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. Terms as set forth hereinafter are generally to be understood in their common sense unless indicated otherwise.

[0151] Where the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements. For the purposes of the present invention, the term “consisting of’ is considered to be a preferred embodiment of the term “comprising”. If a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments herein, this is also to be understood to disclose a group, which preferably consists only of these embodiments. Furthermore, if a composition is defined using the term “comprising”, it may additionally comprise other elements not explicitly listed, however, not further amounts of an element listed. As such, if, e.g., an aluminium alloy comprises Mg in an amount of 10 % by mass, said aluminium alloy may comprise elements other than Mg, however, not additional amounts of Mg, thereby exceeding the amount of 10 % by mass.

[0152] The term “about" in conjunction with a numerical value refers to normal deviations of said numerical value. It is to be understood that the term “about” can mean a deviation of ± 10 %, preferably ± 5 %, more preferably ± 2.5 % of said numeric value as indicated.

[0153] Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. “a”, “an” or “the”, this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated.

[0154] Terms like “obtainable” or “definable” and “obtained” or “defined” are used interchangeably. This e.g. means that, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term “obtained” does not mean to indicate that e.g. an embodiment must be obtained by e.g. the sequence of steps following the term “obtained” even though such a limited understanding is always included by the terms “obtained” or “defined” as a preferred embodiment.

[0155] As used herein, the terms “impurity” and “impurities” refer to and comprises elements in the alloy which are inevitably present due to, e.g., the manufacturing process of the alloy or the manufacturing process of the raw material(s). An impurity is not explicitly mentioned in the list of elements in the alloy, however, an element may turn from an impurity to an essential element in the alloy. If, e.g., an element is not mentioned in a more general definition of the composition of an alloy, it may be present as an impurity, and the same element may be mentioned as a compulsory compound in a more specific definition of the composition of the alloy. In the latter case, it would not be considered as impurity any more.

[0156] The aluminium alloy according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is composed of different components. These components are explicitly listed in the composition of the alloy, or they are part of the impurities present in the alloy. In any case, if a component is defined as an amount in % by mass, the figure reflects the relative amount (as mass) in percent based on the total mass of the alloy composition.

[0157] As used herein, the terms ..tensile strength" and “ultimate tensile strength” are used interchangeably. The tensile strength may be abbreviated as “Rm”. Methods for determining the tensile strength are known to the skilled person. As used herein, the tensile strength Rmis the maximum stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking.

[0158] As used herein, the terms “yield strength” and “yield tensile strength” are used interchangeably. The yield strength may be abbreviated as “Rpo.2”. Methods for determining the yield strength are known to the skilled person. As used herein, the tensile strength is the stress corresponding to the yield point at which the material begins to deform plastically. The yield point is the point on a stress-strain curve that indicates the limit of elastic behaviour and the beginning of plastic behaviour. Below the yield point, a material will deform elastically and will return to its original shape when the applied stress is removed. Once the yield point is passed, some fraction of the deformation will be permanent and non-reversible and is referred to as plastic deformation. As used herein, the term “elongation” abbreviated as “A” is the elongation at fracture and indicates the permanent elongation of a tensile specimen after fracture, in relation to the initial gauge length of the tensile specimen. In other words, the elongation A is the permanent change in the length AL of a specimen in a tensile test after fracture has occurred in relation to the initial gauge length Lo of the specimen.

[0159] As used herein, the terms yield strength Rm, tensile strength Rpo.2, elongation A, and the ratio X refer to the aluminium alloy of the aluminium product. In other words, terms yield strength Rm, RPo.2, elongation, and the ratio X are measured on the aluminium part of the aluminium product.

[0160] The yield strength Rm, tensile strength Rpo.2, elongation A of the aluminium alloys are determined in accordance with DIN 50125:2009 at 23 °C.

[0161] As used herein, the term “ASTM G67” refers to the “Standard Test Method for Determining the Susceptibility to Intergranular Corrosion of 5XXX Series Aluminium Alloys by Mass Loss After Exposure to Nitric Acid” as published in May 2013. The terms “ASTM G67” and “ASTM G67-13” are used interchangeably.

[0162] As used herein, the “phase fraction” of AI3Mg2-P-phase is determined by the software ThermoCalc 2022b, using database TCAL8.

[0163] As used herein, “inevitable impurities” are substances, such as metals, which are present in the starting materials, such as raw aluminium, or added during the manufacturing of an aluminium alloy. In other words, inevitable impurities may be purposely, accidentally, inevitably, or incidentally added to the aluminium alloy during the method of manufacturing of an aluminium alloy or may be present in the starting materials used in the method of manufacturing of an aluminium alloy.

[0164] As used herein, the term “% by mass” refers to the amount of a component of the aluminium alloy as disclosed herein in relation to the total mass of the alloy composition, unless specified otherwise.

[0165] Example 1 : Manufacture of aluminium alloy castings

[0166] All aluminium alloys were prepared in a resistance-heated crucible furnace (Nabertherm, model K40 / 12). For the preparation of a 50 kg of raw aluminium melt, the raw aluminium (with 0.15 % by mass or less of total impurities; obtained from Adial, Adders, France) was added into the furnace over a period of 2 h to result in a molten raw aluminium.

[0167] The raw aluminium was heated to 720 to 750 °C and the respective amounts of Mn, Cr, Mg (from DEUMU Deutsche Erz- und Metall-Union GmbH, Germany, pure magnesium, at least 99.8 %) and Be (added as pellets of AIBe, containing 5 % by mass of Be, the remainder being Al, from Hoesch Metals, Niederzier, Germany) were added. After re-heating to 720 to 750 °C, the melt was de-gassed for 10 minutes with Argon gas as purging gas using an injection lance.

[0168] Then, at a temperature in the range of 650 to 750 °C, Ti and B are added as bars containing Ti and B in a ratio of 5:1 (added as pellets of AITI5B1 , containing 5 % by mass of Ti, 1 % by mass of B, the remainder being Al, from Foseco-Vesuvius, Germany). The bars are stirred into the liquid alloy, and immediately after mixing, the furnace is tilted and the liquid alloy is cast into a respective mould to provide an aluminium alloy casting.

[0169] Table 1 Composition of aluminium alloy. All amounts are given in % by mass in relation to the total mass of the aluminium alloy. The balance to the compositions disclosed in Table 1 is aluminium.

[0170] Impurities are Cu, Ni, and Zn.

[0171] The aluminium alloy casting No. C1 is not heat treated. On the other hand, the further aluminium alloy castings Nos. C2, C3, 1 , 2, 3, 4, and 5 were subjected to a heat treatment at 450 °C for 3-6 h. Aluminium alloy castings No. C1 and No. C3 differ only in that aluminium alloy casting No. C3 has been subjected to a heat treatment.

[0172] However, aluminium alloy casting No. C4 showed too many inclusions, that are particles in the aluminium alloy. Therefore, aluminium alloy casting No. C4 was not subjected to further testing.

[0173] Example 2: Corrosion stability

[0174] The aluminium alloy castings prepared according to example 1 were subjected to a corrosion testing according to “Standard Test Method for Determining the Susceptibility to Intergranular Corrosion of 5XXX Series Aluminium Alloys by Mass Loss After Exposure to Nitric Acid” (ASTM G67). In that, the specific mass loss per unit area are determined as follows:

[0175] Table 2 Results of ASTM G67 testing for susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. n.d. = not determined.

[0176] It can be seen from the above test results that the aluminium alloy castings No. 1 and No. 2 show particularly low susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. On the other hand, aluminium alloy castings No. C1-C3 failed the test procedure according to ASTM G67 and, thus, are not stable to corrosion. Example 3: Mechanical properties

[0177] For evaluation of the mechanical properties, samples of the aluminium alloy castings as prepared in example 1 were prepared and tested in accordance with DIN 50125:2009 at room temperature (23 °C). Said samples were subjected to tests determining the tensile strength (Rm), the yield strength (Rpo.2) and the elongation (A). The measuring length was 30 mm for all samples having a thickness of 3 mm. All test results are summarized in Table 3 below.

[0178] Table 3 Mechanical properties of alloys No. 1 and No. 2

[0179] It can be seen from the above test results that the samples of the aluminium alloy castings of alloys No. 1 and No. 2 show excellent mechanical properties, in particular in terms of yield strength Rm, tensile strength Rp0.2, and elongation A. Specifically, sample No. 1 has a high strength Rmand elongation A at the same time.

[0180] Example 4: Corrosion stability after thermal stress

[0181] The aluminium alloy castings No. 3 and 4 prepared according to example 1 were subjected to a further treatment for 100 h at 80 °C to mimic the influence of heat during practical application, such as in an electric vehicle. Generally, it is understood that heat increases the susceptibility of an aluminium alloy to intergranular corrosion, due to precipitation processes, that are activated at the mentioned temperature.

[0182] Corrosion testing according to “Standard Test Method for Determining the Susceptibility to Intergranular Corrosion of 5XXX Series Aluminium Alloys by Mass Loss After Exposure to Nitric Acid” (ASTM G67). In that, the specific mass loss per unit area are determined as follows:

[0183] Table 4 Results of ASTM G67 testing for susceptibility to intergranular corrosion after thermal stress.

[0184] It can be seen from the above test results that the aluminium alloy castings No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 show particularly low susceptibility to intergranular corrosion, even after thermal stress. Therefore, the aluminium alloys according to the present disclosure are particularly useful in applications in which development of heat may be expected, in particular in electric vehicles. As the aluminium alloys according to the present disclosure are highly resistant to corrosion, of aluminium alloy products comprising or consisting of said aluminium alloys have an improved durability and prolonged lifetime.

[0185] Embodiments

[0186] 1. An aluminium alloy comprising a) of from 7.5 to 14 % by mass of magnesium (Mg); b) of from 0.011 to 0.5 % by mass of titanium (Ti); c) of from 0.0009 to 0.2 % by mass of boron (B); d) at least one of i) of from 0.002 to 0.1 % by mass of beryllium (Be) and / or ii) of from 0.0005 to 0.1 % by mass of calcium (Ca); e) of from 0.1 to 1.5 % by mass of manganese (Mn); f) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of chromium (Cr); g) of from 0 to 3 % by mass of molybdenum (Mo); h) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of vanadium (V); i) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of nickel (Ni); j) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of zirconium (Zr); k) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of cobalt (Co); l) of from 0 to 0.7 % by mass of iron (Fe); m) of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass of silicon (Si); wherein the aluminium alloy further comprises inevitable impurities; with the balance being aluminium (Al); each amount in relation to the total mass of the alloy composition, and wherein all compounds of the alloy add up to a total of 100 % by mass.

[0187] 2. An aluminium alloy comprising a) of from 8 to 14 % by mass of magnesium (Mg); b) of from 0.011 to 0.5 % by mass of titanium (Ti); c) of from 0.0009 to 0.2 % by mass of boron (B); d) at least one of i) of from 0.002 to 0.1 % by mass of beryllium (Be) and / or ii) of from 0.0005 to 0.1 % by mass of calcium (Ca); e) of from 0.1 to 1.5 % by mass of manganese (Mn); f) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of chromium (Cr); g) of from 0 to 3 % by mass of molybdenum (Mo); h) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of vanadium (V); i) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of nickel (Ni); j) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of zirconium (Zr); k) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of cobalt (Co); l) of from 0 to 0.7 % by mass of iron (Fe); m) of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass of silicon (Si); wherein the aluminium alloy further comprises inevitable impurities; with the balance being aluminium (Al); each amount in relation to the total mass of the alloy composition, and wherein all compounds of the alloy add up to a total of 100 % by mass. An aluminium alloy comprising a) of from 8 to 14 % by mass of magnesium (Mg); b) of from 0.011 to 0.5 % by mass of titanium (Ti); c) of from 0.0009 to 0.2 % by mass of boron (B); d) of from 0.002 to 0.1 % by mass of beryllium (Be); e) of from 0.1 to 1.5 % by mass of manganese (Mn); f) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of chromium (Cr); g) of from 0 to 3 % by mass of molybdenum (Mo); h) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of vanadium (V); i) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of nickel (Ni); j) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of zirconium (Zr); k) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of cobalt (Co); l) of from 0 to 0.7 % by mass of iron (Fe); m) of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass of silicon (Si); wherein the aluminium alloy further comprises inevitable impurities; with the balance being aluminium (Al); each amount in relation to the total mass of the alloy composition, and wherein all compounds of the alloy add up to a total of 100 % by mass. The aluminium alloy according to embodiment 1 to 3, wherein Mg is present in an amount of from 8 to 14 % by mass, preferably 8 to 13 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 8 to 12.5 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 8 to 12 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 8.5 to 11.5 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 9.0 to 11 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 10 to 11 % by mass. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein Ti is present i) in an amount of from 0.011 to 0.45 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.35 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.30 % by mass, even more preferably in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.25 % by mass, even more preferably in an amount of from 0.12 to 0.25 % by mass, yet more preferably in an amount of from 0.12 to 0.20 % by mass, most preferably in an amount of from 0.13 to 0.18 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of from 0.45 % by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.40 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.35 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less; yet more preferably in an amount of 0.20 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.18 % by mass or less; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.011 % by mass or more, preferably in an amount of 0.015 % by mass or more, more preferably in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or more, more preferably in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or more, more preferably in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or more, yet more preferably in an amount of 0.12 % by mass or more, most preferably in an amount of 0.13 % by mass or more.

[0188] 6. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein B is present i) in an amount of from 0.002 to 0.08 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.003 to 0.06 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.004 to 0.04 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.006 to 0.02 % by mass, most preferably in an amount of from 0.008 to 0.02 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.002 % by mass or more, preferably in an amount of 0.004 % by mass or more, more preferably in an amount of 0.006 % by mass or more, most preferably in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.06 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.04 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.03 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.02 % by mass or less.

[0189] 7. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein Be is present i) in an amount of from 0.002 to 0.09 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.003 to 0.08 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.004 to 0.05 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.005 to 0.02 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.002 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.003 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.004 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.009 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.1 % by mass or less, or in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less, or in an amount of 0.03 % by mass or less, or in an amount of 0.02 % by mass or less.

[0190] 8. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein Mn is present i) in an amount of from 0.11 to 1.0 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.5 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.3 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.2 % by mass, most preferably in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.15 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of more than 0.10 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.11 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 1.0 % by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.5 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.3 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.2 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less.

[0191] 9. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein Cr is present i) in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.40 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.30 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.20 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or more, preferably in an amount of more than 0.05 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or more, most preferably in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.40% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.20 % by mass or less. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein Mo is present i) in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more, or in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more; and / or ii) in an amount of 3.0% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 1.5 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 1.0 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.8 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.5 % by mass or less, yet more preferably in an amount of 0.3 % by mass or less, yet more preferably in an amount of 0.1 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein V is present i) in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more, or in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.5% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.4 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.3 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11 , wherein Ni is present i) in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more, or in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.5% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.4 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.3 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less, yet more preferably in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein Zr is present i) in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more, or in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.5% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.4 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.3 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less, yet more preferably in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0192] 14. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein Co is present i) in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more, or in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.5% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.45 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.4 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.3 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less, yet more preferably in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0193] 15. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein Fe is present i) in an amount of from 0.005 to 0.5 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.008 to 0.3 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.1 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more, or in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.5% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.3 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.2 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.1 % by mass or less.

[0194] 16. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein Si is present in an amount of 0.1% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.07 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.06 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less.

[0195] 17. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16,, wherein the aluminium alloy has a specific weight loss of 40 mg / m2or less, preferably of 35 mg / m2or less, more preferably of 30 mg / m2or less, more preferably of 20 mg / m2or less, even more preferably of 15 mg / m2or less, most preferably of 12 mg / m2or less, each determined according to ASTM G67. The aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 , 2, or 4 to 17, wherein Ca is present i) in an amount of from 0.0005 to 0.1 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.0007 to 0.08 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.0010 to 0.05 % by mass, most preferably in an amount of from 0.0015 to 0.01 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.0005 % by mass or more, or in an amount of more than 0.0007 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.0010 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.0015 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.10% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.03 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or less. Method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, comprising the steps of a) Providing a raw aluminium; b) Heating the raw aluminium to a temperature in the range of from 650 to 850 °C, preferably from 750 to 850 °C; c) Adding Be and / or Ca; d) Adding Mg and Mn to result in a raw alloy; e) Optionally degassing the raw alloy; f) Adding Ti and B to the optionally degassed raw alloy to provide the aluminium alloy in liquid form. Method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, comprising the steps of a) Providing a raw aluminium; b) Heating the raw aluminium to a temperature in the range of from 650 to 850 °C, preferably from 750 to 850 °C; c) Adding Mg, Be, and Mn to result in a raw alloy; d) Optionally degassing the raw alloy; e) Adding Ti and B to the optionally degassed raw alloy to provide the aluminium alloy in liquid form. The method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy produce according to embodiment 19 or 20, wherein the method further comprises the step of g) casting of the aluminium alloy in liquid form, preferably by sand mould casting, or steel mould casting, or high pressure die casting, or rheo casting; h) removing the mould to provide an aluminium alloy casting; i) Optionally treating the aluminium alloy casting. The method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to any of embodiments 19 to 21 , wherein the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature of at least 380 °C, or at least 400 °C, or at least 430 °C, or at least 450 °C; and then cooled in air to ambient temperature. The method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 19 to 22, wherein the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) a) for a period of less than 48 hour, or less than 36 hours, or less than 24 hours; and / or b) for a period of at least 1 hour, or at least 2 hours, or at least 4 hours, or at least

[0196] 6 hours, or at least 12 hours. Aluminum alloy product prepared by a method according to any one of embodiments 19 to 23. Aluminum alloy product comprising an aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, and / or prepared by a method according to any one of embodiments 19 to 23, wherein i) wherein the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product has a tensile strength Rmof at least 150 MPa, preferably at least 190 MPa, preferably at least 250 MPa, preferably at least 280 MPa, preferably at least 300 MPa; and / or ii) wherein the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product has a yield strength Rpo,2 of at least 100 MPa, preferably at least 120 MPa, preferably at least 130 MPa, preferably at least 140 MPa; and / or iii) wherein the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product has an elongation A of at least 2 %, preferably at least 4 %, further preferably at least 7 %, further preferably at least 10 %, further preferably at least 12 %, more preferably at least 15 %, yet more preferably at least 18 %, most preferably at least 20 %. Use of an aluminium alloy according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, or 24, or of an aluminium alloy product according to embodiment 25, in automotive construction, and / or in aerospace industry, and / or in ship building, preferably in the manufacture of an electric vehicle.

Claims

Claims1. An aluminium alloy comprising a) of from 7.5 to 14 % by mass of magnesium (Mg); b) of from 0.011 to 0.5 % by mass of titanium (Ti); c) of from 0.0009 to 0.2 % by mass of boron (B); d) at least one of i) of from 0.002 to 0.1 % by mass of beryllium (Be) and / or ii) of from 0.0005 to 0.1 % by mass of calcium (Ca); e) of from 0.1 to 1.5 % by mass of manganese (Mn); f) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of chromium (Cr); g) of from 0 to 3 % by mass of molybdenum (Mo); h) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of vanadium (V); i) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of nickel (Ni); j) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of zirconium (Zr); k) of from 0 to 0.5 % by mass of cobalt (Co); l) of from 0 to 0.7 % by mass of iron (Fe); m) of from 0 to 0.1 % by mass of silicon (Si); wherein the aluminium alloy further comprises inevitable impurities; with the balance being aluminium (Al); each amount in relation to the total mass of the alloy composition, and wherein all compounds of the alloy add up to a total of 100 % by mass.

2. The aluminium alloy according to claim 1 , wherein Mg is present in in an amount of from 8 to 14 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 8 to 13 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 8 to 12.5 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 8 to 12 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 8.5 to 11.5 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 9.0 to 11 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 10 to 11 % by mass.

3. The aluminium alloy according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein Ti is present i) in an amount of from 0.011 to 0.45 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.35 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.30 % by mass, even more preferably in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.25 % by mass, even more preferably in an amount of from 0.12 to 0.25 % by mass, yet more preferably in an amount of from 0.12 to 0.20 % by mass, most preferably in an amount of from 0.13 to 0.18 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of from 0.45 % by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.40 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.35 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.25 % by mass or less; yet more preferably in an amount of 0.20 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.18 % by mass or less; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.011 % by mass or more, preferably in an amount of 0.015 % by mass or more, more preferably in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or more, morepreferably in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or more, more preferably in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or more, yet more preferably in an amount of 0.12 % by mass or more, most preferably in an amount of 0.13 % by mass or more.

4. The aluminium alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein B is present i) in an amount of from 0.002 to 0.08 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.003 to 0.06 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.004 to 0.04 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.006 to 0.02 % by mass, most preferably in an amount of from 0.008 to 0.02 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.002 % by mass or more, preferably in an amount of 0.004 % by mass or more, more preferably in an amount of 0.006 % by mass or more, most preferably in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.06 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.04 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.03 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.02 % by mass or less.

5. The aluminium alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Mn is present i) in an amount of from 0.11 to 1.0 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.5 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.3 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.2 % by mass, most preferably in an amount of from 0.11 to 0.15 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of more than 0.10 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.11 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 1.0 % by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.5 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.3 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.2 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less.

6. The aluminium alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein Cr is present i) in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.40 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.30 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.10 to 0.20 % by mass; and / or ii) in an amount of 0.05 % by mass or more, preferably in an amount of more than 0.05 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of 0.08 % by mass or more, most preferably in an amount of 0.10 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.40% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.30 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.20 % by mass or less.

7. The aluminium alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein Fe is present i) in an amount of from 0.005 to 0.5 % by mass, preferably in an amount of from 0.008 to 0.3 % by mass, more preferably in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.1 % by mass; and / orii) in an amount of 0.005 % by mass or more, or in an amount of more than 0.005 % by mass, or in an amount of 0.008 % by mass or more, or in an amount of 0.01 % by mass or more; and / or iii) in an amount of 0.5% by mass or less, preferably in an amount of 0.3 % by mass or less, more preferably in an amount of 0.2 % by mass or less, even more preferably in an amount of 0.15 % by mass or less, most preferably in an amount of 0.1 % by mass or less.

8. The aluminium alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aluminium alloy has a specific weight loss of 40 mg / m2or less, preferably of 35 mg / m2or less, more preferably of 30 mg / m2or less, more preferably of 20 mg / m2or less, even more preferably of 15 mg / m2or less, most preferably of 12 mg / m2or less, each determined according to ASTM G67.

9. Method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of a) Providing a raw aluminium; b) Heating the raw aluminium to a temperature in the range of from 650 to 850 °C, preferably from 750 to 850 °C; c) Adding Be and / or Ca; d) Adding Mg and Mn to result in a raw alloy; e) Optionally degassing the raw alloy; f) Adding Ti and B to the optionally degassed raw alloy to provide the aluminium alloy in liquid form.

10. The method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy produce according to claim 8, wherein the method further comprises the step of g) Casting of the aluminium alloy in liquid form, preferably by sand mould casting, or steel mould casting, or high pressure die casting, or rheo casting; h) Removing the mould to provide an aluminium alloy casting; i) Optionally treating the aluminium alloy casting.11 . The method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to claim 10, wherein the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) by heating the aluminium alloy casting to a temperature of at least 380 °C, or at least 400 °C, or at least 430 °C, or at least 450 °C; and then cooled in air to ambient temperature.

12. The method for the manufacture of an aluminium alloy according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the aluminium alloy casting is heat treated in step i) a) for a period of less than 48 hour, or less than 36 hours, or less than 24 hours; and / or b) for a period of at least 1 hour, or at least 2 hours, or at least 4 hours, or at least 6 hours, or at least 12 hours.

13. Aluminum alloy product prepared by a method according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. Aluminum alloy product comprising an aluminium alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and / or prepared by a method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein i) wherein the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product has a tensile strength Rmof at least 150 MPa, preferably at least 190 MPa, preferably at least 250 MPa, preferably at least 280 MPa, preferably at least 300 MPa; and / or ii) wherein the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product has a yield strength Rpo,2 of at least 100 MPa, preferably at least 120 MPa, preferably at least 130 MPa, preferably at least 140 MPa; and / or iii) wherein the aluminium alloy of the aluminium alloy product has an elongation A of at least 2 %, preferably at least 4 %, further preferably at least 7 %, further preferably at least 10 %, further preferably at least 12 %, more preferably at least 15 %, yet more preferably at least 18 %, most preferably at least 20 %.

15. Use of an aluminium alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or 13, or of an aluminium alloy product according to claim 14, in automotive construction, and / or in aerospace industry, and / or in ship building, preferably in the manufacture of an electric vehicle.

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