a zirconium - doped aluminum powder metal and a method of making this powder metal are disclosed . the method of making includes forming an aluminum — zirconium melt in which a zirconium content of the aluminum — zirconium melt is less than 2 . 0 percent by weight . the aluminum — zirconium melt then powderized to form a zirconium - doped aluminum powder metal . the powderization may occur by , for example , air atomization .