Deformation mechanisms in extruded Mg-Y-Zn alloys with different volume fractions of the long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) structure have been investigated during cyclic loading, i.e., compression followed by unloading and reverse tensile loading. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and in situ neutron diffraction (ND) techniques are used to determine strain path dependence of the deformation mechanisms. The twinning-detwinning mechanism operated in the α-Mg phase is of key importance for the subsequent hardening behavior of alloys with complex microstructures, consisting of α-Mg and LPSO phases. Besides the detailed analysis of the lattice strain development as a function of the applied stress, the dislocation density evolution in particular alloys is determined.

The cathodic protection is used in combination with organic coatings to protect steel constructions in soil and water environment, when their long lifetime and safety are expected. The parameters of the cathodic protection must be respected very strictly because the exceeded protective potential can evoke degradation of polymeric coatings and delamination. Our paper comprises the results of experiments those determine the impact of various applied protective potential on degradation of the selected polymeric coatings. The specimens were prepared of sheet steel 425310.11. Prior to the application of organic coatings, one set of specimens was treated by blasting (classic method) the second set by laser. The behavior of the physically (based on polyisobutene PIB) and chemically cured (based on polyurethane PU) coatings were studied after one year lasting exposure in the soil. The experiment was carried out by exposure of specimens in soil without and with cathodic protection of different intensity.