Enhanced Grain Refinement and Precipitation of the IEECAPed Mg-Sm-Zn-Zr Alloy by Nd Addition

Abstract

Achieving magnesium-rare earth alloys with excellent mechanical properties remains a challenging goal in the aerospace industry. The integrated extrusion and equal channel angular pressing were employed to refine grain and improve the mechanical properties of Mg-xNd-2.0Sm-0.4Zn-0.4Zr alloys. The effect of Nd element on microstructure and mechanical properties of the extruded and subsequently aged alloys were carried out by varying the amount of the Nd element from 0 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%. The optical microscopy results indicated that the grain size was remarkably refined by the addition of Nd element. The grain size decreased from 29.7 μm to 10.9 μm with increasing of the Nd element from 0 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%. The transmission electron microscopy results showed that the nano-scaled basal lamellar precipitates, prismatic lamellar precipitates and granular precipitates were formed in α-Mg matrix. The amount of the precipitates increased significantly by the addition of Nd. Moreover, the strength of the alloys significantly improved with Nd. Superior strength and considerable plasticity were obtained as the content of Nd element reached 2.0 wt.%, while the tensile strength of the Mg-2.0Nd-Sm-Zn-Zr alloy (315 ± 5 MPa) increased by 35.8% with respect to the Nd-free alloy (232 ± 3 MPa).

Effect of Al Content on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast Mg-11Gd-2Y-1Zn Alloy

“…As the lightest metal structural material, magnesium alloys are widely used in aerospace, automobile and electronic industries for their low density, high specific strength and good casting performance and excellent machining performance [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Currently, popular magnesium alloys include Mg-Al [ 5 ], Mg-Zn [ 6 ], and Mg-RE [ 7 ] alloy.…”

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of EK30 Alloy Synergistically Reinforced by Ag Alloying and Hot Extrusion for Aerospace Applications

“…Sm has been considered an ideal strengthening element for Mg alloys due to its lower price [ 14 ]. The mechanical properties of Mg alloys can be more effectively enhanced by simultaneously adding Nd and Sm [ 15 ]. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties of Mg-Nd-Sm are still not sufficient for the new aero-engine components.…”