Strengthening of Mg Alloy with Multiple RE Elements with Ag and Zn Doping via Heat Treatment

Abstract

Strengthening Mg alloys with rare earth elements has been a research focus for several decades. To minimize the usage of rare earth elements while enhancing mechanical properties, we adopted the strategy of alloying with multiple rare earth elements, namely Gd, Y, Nd, and Sm. Additionally, to promote the precipitation of basal precipitate, Ag and Zn doping was also induced. Thus, we designed a new cast Mg-2Gd-2Y-2Nd-2Sm-1Ag-1Zn-0.5Zr (wt.%) alloy. The microstructure of the alloy and its relevance to mechanical properties in various heat treatment conditions were investigated. After undergoing a heat treatment process, the alloy demonstrated exceptional mechanical properties, with a yield strength of 228 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 330 MPa achieved through peak-aging for 72 h at 200 °C. The excellent tensile properties are due to the synergistic effect of basal γ″ precipitate and prismatic β′ precipitate. In its as-cast state, its primary mode of fracture is inter-granular, whereas in the solid-solution and peak-aging conditions, the predominant mode of fracture is a mixture of trans-granular and inter-granular fractures.

Study on Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Mg-3Sn-1Mn-xLa Alloy by Backward Extrusion

“…However, the low plasticity at room temperature, poor heat, and poor corrosion resistance of traditional magnesium alloys limits their wide application [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Alloying is an effective method to improve the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys [ 6 ]. Previous studies have shown that, when Sn is added to magnesium, the Mg 2 Sn phase formed has a high melting point and high hardness, which can effectively improve the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the alloy, as well as improve the high-temperature strength and creep resistance of magnesium alloys [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”