The ICAA conferences provide a unique view on the latest research and technological developments in the field of aluminium alloys, ICAA conferences address more specifically the following subjects: fundamental mechanisms in the physical metallurgy of aluminium alloys at all stages of the processing routes, from semi-products to end applications; conventional alloys as well as new alloy developments; process metallurgy from solidification and casting to forming and joining, including such growing fields as additive manufacturing and the use of artificial intelligence. ICAA conferences traditionally emphasize the use of last generation analytical tools such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, sophisticated texture analysis, local elemental analysis techniques and large instruments. Physical modelling, starting at the atomic level, as well as process modelling in relation with microstructure generation and design are other topics of interest of ICAA conferences.

A large Norwegian delegation (all in all 17 people) with representatives from NTNU, SINTEF and Hydro attended the conference, and with a number of nice presentations, of which many were directly related to SFI PhysMet activities and results. Rand Holmestad had the honor of giving a plenary lecture with the title: “Hardening precipitates in aluminium alloys studied by advanced TEM”. MSc Eila Bergene got the 3rd place in the ‘Best poster award’ competition with her poster: “The influence of Mn and cooling rate on the mechanical properties of 6063 alloys”, based on her master thesis work last semester, conducted in close collaboration with Hydro Al, as part of SFI PhysMet activities.

The conference was held in a very friendly and nice atmosphere, and in addition to a busy scientific program, the conference also gave ample possibilities to meet with friends and colleagues from the around world to discuss and to spend time together also in more informal and social settings.