Mechanical properties and microstructure of as-cast and extruded Mg-(Ce, Nd)-Zn-Zr alloys

Abstract

Studies on the mechanical properties and microstructures of as-cast and extruded Mg-Ce-Zn-Zr and Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloys have been made before and after heat treatment. The results show that the mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-Ce and Mg-Nd alloys are as good as those of typical die cast AZ91 alloy and the heat resistant WE43 alloy. In Nd-containing alloys, the precipitated phase Mg₁₂ Nd contributes significantly to age hardening. The mechanical properties of extruded alloys are improved obviously compared with those of as-cast alloys. The ultimate strength is 257.8 MPa for extruded Mg-Ce alloy and 265.6 MPa for extruded Mg-Nd alloy. Extrusion is a useful method to improve both the strengths and elongations of the two experimental alloys at both ambient and elevated temperatures. The grain refinement and precipitation strengthening are the main strengthening mechanisms in the alloys. Tensile fracture surfaces show a dimple pattern after extruding and therefore reflect an improved elongation.

Keywords

Mg-(Ce, Nd)-Zn-Zr alloy / rare earth / extrusion

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