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The microstructures and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-5Nd- x Al ( x = 0, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4 and 3.0 wt%) were investigated by the optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and uniaxial tension test. The addition of 3.0 wt% Al led to the most significant grain refinement of Mg-5Nd alloy with the reduction of average grain size from 448 μm to 68 μm. The grain refinement was attributed to the formation of Al 2 Nd particles as the Al 2 Nd particles acted as effective grain refiners for the Mg matrix confirmed by XRD analysis, SEM observation, and crystallography calculation. The mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-5Nd alloy increased obviously after the addition of Al. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the as-cast Mg-5Nd-3.0Al alloy were enhanced by about 45.3%, 72.4% and 264.0%, respectively, compared to as-cast Mg-5Nd alloy. The improvement of mechanical properties was mainly ascribed to the refined grains and secondary phase strengthening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mg-12Gd-2Er-0.4Zr (GE122K) is fabricated by double extrusion, and the effects of grain refinement and precipitate evolution on the mechanical performance of the extruded alloys are deeply analyzed. Scanning electron microscope results spectacle that some bulky precipitates in the single extruded alloy are fragmented to fine precipitates during double extrusion and distribute linearly along the extrusion direction (ED). The fine precipitates exhibit the strongest dispersion strengthening effect, whereas the bulky precipitates act as crack resources and decrease the elongation. After double extrusion, a refined grain structure with an average grain size of 2.7 µm is achieved, which is attributed to dynamic recrystallization (DRX). Moreover, double extrusion boosts the content of rare-earth elements into the matrix by dissolving the fine precipitates. During aging, extensive β′ precipitates form in the double extruded alloy than in the single extrude alloy. As a result, refined grains and strong precipitation strengthening make a significant contribution to a high yield strength (YS) of 422 ± 1.59 MPa with an elongation (EL) of 6.5 ± 0.89% in the double extruded+peak-aged alloy (ACX2). The possible strengthening mechanisms are discussed, and it is found that grain refinement and precipitate strengthening are the main contributors to the high strength of the GE122K alloy. Fabrication of Mg-12Gd-2Er-0.4Zr (wt%) alloy via double extrusion+aging with excellent mechanical performance. [Display omitted] • A facile and robust fabrication mechanism is adopted to attain an excellent balance of yield strength and elongation. • Grain refinement and precipitates have different effects on the strength of Mg-12Gd-2Er-0.4Zr alloy. • The β′ precipitate strengthening is the dominate strengthening mechanism during aging treatment of the extruded alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, the 6111Al reinforced by rare earth element Er was subjected to severe plastic deformation with different rolling reduction ranging from 50%, 70%–90% respectively. Continuous deepening of the dynamic recrystallization occurred during the increment on rolling deformation and the average size of α-Al grains decreased to 7.9 μm eventually. The nanosized Al 3 Er particles were characterized by the combined function of inhibiting and promoting the DRX at the same time during the rolling process. And the competitive relationship between the driving force and the restraining force has been studied via systematic calculation here. A noticeable enhancement on 6111Al–Er alloy has been obtained with YS, UTS and elongation increasing to 359 MPa, 380 MPa and 27.4% respectively when the rolling deformation reached to 90%, which was attributed to the synergistic strengthening effect induced by the fine grain strengthening and the Orowan strengthening mechanisms. The evolution of microstructure was characterized by the equipments including Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). • Multi round dynamic recrystallization occurred during the rolling process. • Al 3 Er particles possess combined function of inhibiting and promoting the DRX. • Mechanical properties of 6111Al is enhanced notably by rolling and Er addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]