Influence of Gd, Nd and Ce Additions on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Ultra-light Dual Phase Mg-9Li-0.4Zr Alloys

Effects of various rare-earth elements (RE: Gd, Nd and Ce) additions on microstructures and mechanical properties of ultra-light dual phase Mg-9Li-0.4Zr alloy were investigated. The results indicated that Mg-9Li-5RE-0.4Zr alloys exhibited α-Mg, β-Li and RE-containing intermetallic compound structures. 5 wt.% Gd, Nd and Ce additions enhanced the strength properties of as-extruded Mg-9Li-0.4Zr alloy, but greatly deteriorated the ductility. The final mechanical properties of Mg-9Li-5RE-0.4Zr alloys were 161MPa∼167MPa in ultimate strength, 141MPa∼156MPa in yield strength and 20.8%∼32.5% in elongation. Heat treatment was hardly able to improve the mechanical properties for Mg-9Li-5RE-0.4Zr alloys.

Keywords:
Rare-earth elements; Mg-Li alloys; Strengthening; Mechanical properties; Heat treatment