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Abstract: Two sets of Cu/Nb (face-centered cubic (fcc)/body-centered cubic) and Cu/Zr (fcc/hexagonal close-packed) nanostructured multilayer films (NMFs) have been prepared on a flexible polyimide substrate, with a wide range modulation period (λ) from 250 down to 5nm. The mechanical properties of the two NMFs have been measured upon uniaxial tensile testing and the buckling behaviors have been systematically investigated as a function of λ. A significant difference in the bucking behaviors was found between the two NMFs, with the buckles in the Cu/Nb NMF being mostly cracked, while the buckles were nearly crack-free in the Cu/Zr NMF. The different buckling behaviors, dependent on the constituent phases, are rationalized in the light of the disparity in mechanical properties. The criteria to characterize buckle cracking have been discussed with respect to the mechanical properties (e.g. yield strength, ductility and fracture toughness) of the NMFs. A modified energy balance model has been employed to estimate the adhesion energy of the NMFs on the polyimide substrate. Within the λ regime below a critical size (λcrit ) of ∼50nm a λ-independent adhesion energy of about 1.1 and 1.2Jm−2 has been determined for the Cu/Nb and Cu/Zr NMFs, respectively, which agrees well with previous reports on the metal film/polymer substrate systems. Within the λ regime greater than λcrit , however, the measured adhesion energy exhibit a strong size effect, i.e. increasing with increasing λ. The λ dependence of the evaluated adhesion energy is discussed in terms of the size-dependent deformation mechanism in NMFs. A micromechanics model has been utilized to quantify the critical modulation period of ∼50nm, where the deformation mechanism changes from dislocation pile-up to confined layer slip. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A particulate reinforced magnesium matrix composite fabricated by stir casting was subjected to multidirectional forging (MDF) at a temperature of 420°C. The results showed that grains of matrix in the composite were significantly refined after 1 MDF pass, and gradually refined till 3 MDF passes. The evolution of particle distribution in the composite during MDF was investigated by a window technique. It was shown that MDF led to an increase of the uniformity of the particle distribution. With increasing the MDF passes, both the tensile strength and the elongation to failure of the composite are significantly enhanced till 3 MDF passes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present study, AZ91 magnesium matrix composites reinforced with six volume fractions (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3 and 5vol.%) of submicron-SiC particulates (0.2μm) were fabricated by stir casting. The as-cast ingots were forged at 420°C with 50% reduction, and then extruded at 370°C with the ratio of 16 at a constant ram speed of 15mm/s. The microstructure of the composites was investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. Microstructure characterization of the composites showed relative uniform reinforcement distribution, significant grain refinement and presence of minimal porosity. The X-ray diffractometer analysis showed that a strong basal plane texture was formed in both AZ91 alloy and SiCp/AZ91 composites during extrusion and the addition of submicron-SiC particulates could weaken the basal plane texture. The presence of submicron-SiC particulates assisted in improving the thermal stability, micro-hardness, elastic modulus and 0.2% yield strength. Both of the 0.2% yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increased with the increasing of submicron-SiC particulate content, however, decreased as the SiC particulate content overrun 2vol.%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of high temperature exposure on the interface and tensile properties of Al18B4O33w/AZ91 magnesium matrix composite fabricated by squeeze casting was studied. The interfaces of the composites were examined using transmission electron microscopy, and the mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests. The interfacial region was composed of MgO which was formed by the reaction between the Al18B4O33 whisker and the Mg matrix. An thin and uniform interfacial reaction layer with a thickness of 10–20 nm formed during squeeze casting could act as a barrier to prevent the further reaction between Al18B4O33 whisker and Mg alloys. The interfacial reaction rate was very low during thermal exposure below the liquidus temperature of AZ91 matrix alloy. Only after exposure above the liquidus temperature of the AZ91 matrix alloy for a long period, the thickness of the interfacial layer increased obviously. However, the interfacial reaction rate was much slower than that in the Al18B4O33w/Al–Mg composites. The interfacial reaction kinetics was controlled by the seepage of Mg and release of Al and B along the narrow diffusion channels between the fine MgO particle. The composite did not show a degradation in the tensile properties after exposure below the solidus temperature of AZ91 for long periods, suggesting that the Al18B4O33w/AZ91 magnesium matrix composite could be subjected to long-term service at elevated temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The extruded Mg–8.2Gd–3.8Y–1.0Zn–0.4Zr (wt%) alloy were subjected to large-strain hot rolling with different final rolling temperatures. The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the sheets were investigated. The microstructure became homogeneous after hot rolling process and long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase distributed at grain boundaries along rolling direction. The sheet rolled at 300°C was composed of deformed grains, substructures and excessive dislocations. With increasing final rolling temperatures from 300°C to 400°C, the volume fraction of recrystallized grains with relatively random orientations increased significantly. The strength of the rolled sheets was improved while the ductility was deteriorated with decreasing final rolling temperatures. The tensile yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the sheet rolled at 300°C reached 320MPa and 416MPa, respectively with the elongation to failure of 5.3%. The mechanical anisotropy of the rolling sheet became unity when rolled at higher temperature of 400°C due to the formation of weaker basal texture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Different cooling processes, such as quenching in warm water and cooling in furnace, were introduced to homogenize Mg–8.2Gd–3.8Y–1.0Zn–0.4Zr (wt%) alloy. Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the homogenized alloy were investigated. The as-quenched sample was comprised of α-Mg matrix, Mg5RE phase and 18R LPSO phase distributed at the grain boundaries and a few of RE-rich particles distributed randomly. During the process of cooling in furnace, Mg5RE and 18R LPSO phases were transformed into block-shaped 14H LPSO phase and lamellar-shaped 14H LPSO phase, respectively, due to the diffusion of solute atoms into the α-Mg matrix. Furthermore, the lamellar-shaped 14H LPSO phase grew and ran through the whole grains. The as-quenched sample exhibits tensile yield strength of 130MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 206MPa and elongation to failure of 5.5%, while the sample cooled in the furnace exhibits higher tensile yield strength but lower ultimate tensile strength and ductility due to the coarse grains and formation of block-shaped 14H LPSO phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Mg–8.2Gd–3.8Y–1.0Zn–0.4Zr (wt.%) alloy was hot rolled with different final rolling reductions at 400°C. The microstructure evolution and texture of the sheets were analyzed, and their effect on the mechanical properties was discussed. All of the rolled sheets consist of fine dynamically recrystallized grains with almost random orientation, large deformed grains with strong basal texture. In addition, bent lamellar-shaped long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases due to kink deformation were observed in the deformed grains. The volume fraction of the dynamic recrystallization increased with increasing final rolling reduction and the basal texture weakened gradually. The strength of the alloy sheets changed a little with increasing final rolling reduction, while the yield anisotropy and the ductility were significantly improved. The sheet final-rolled with thickness reduction of 60% exhibits tensile yield strength of 306MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 393MPa and elongation to failure of 14.6% at ambient temperature, and tensile yield strength of 264MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 345MPa and elongation to failure of 19.4% at 250°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The pure Mg sheets were processed by ARB at 400°C and 300°C up to 8 cycles and 4 cycles, respectively. The microstructure was refined during the first cycle and only homogenized during the following ARB process due to the high deformation temperature, intermediate reheating and air-cooling. The ARB process did not show an obvious effect on the tensile properties of the as-ARBed pure Mg sheet due to the stable grain size and dominant basal plane texture during ARB. Further deformation should be introduced to improve the bonding quality of the as-ARBed sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain boundary (GB) engineering via alloying opens a pathway to design the interfaces in alloys for tuning their mechanical properties, thus it is quite critical to determine the optimum addition of alloying element. Here, we prepared immiscible Cu-Cr alloyed thin films by non-equilibrium magnetron sputtering deposition to study Cr alloying effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu thin films. It is found that Cr doping can notably refine the grains and promote the formation of fully nanotwinned columnar grains at low Cr volume concentrations (≤∼3.7 at.%) associated with the average GB Cr concentrations ≤ ∼15 at.%, beyond which the formation of nanotwins is significantly suppressed. The role of Cr atoms/clusters played in the twinning process is rationalized in terms of dislocation rebound-promotion mechanism. Importantly, a maximum hardness is discovered at the optimum Cr addition of ∼2.0 at.%. The Cr concentration-dependent hardness of Cu-Cr alloyed films was quantified by a combined strengthening model. The achievement of the maximum hardness was related to the greatest GB solute segregation-induced strength contribution. It is further uncovered that the Cu-Cr system exhibits strain rate sensitivity (SRS, m ) monotonically reduced with increasing the Cr concentration, ranging from a positive m of 0.0314 (for pure Cu) to a negative m of −0.0245, which is attributed to a competition between the dislocation-boundary interactions (increasing m ) and the dislocation-solute atoms interactions (decreasing m ). These findings provide valuable insights into tuning the composition of alloyed thin films to achieve optimized mechanical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuning the microstructure to optimize the mechanical performance of nanocrystalline Cu thin films via the alloying strategy is quite important for their application in microdevices. In this work, we prepared nanocrystalline miscible Cu-Ti and immiscible Cu-Mo alloyed thin films to investigate alloying effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu thin films in terms of mixing enthalpies. It is found that the dopants of both Ti and Mo can notably refine the grains, and in particular promote the formation of nanotwins below a critical content of solute, beyond which the formation of nanotwins is notably suppressed. The nonmonotonic solute concentration-dependent twinning behavior observed in Cu-Ti and Cu-Mo alloyed thin films is explained by the coupling effects between grain size and grain boundary segregated dopants that affects the stimulated slip process of partials. The increased hardness of both Cu-Ti and Cu-Mo systems with increasing the solute contents are quantitatively explained by combining several strengthening mechanisms, including solid solution strengthening, grain/twin boundary (GB/TB) strengthening, solute segregation-induced strengthening. It unexpectedly appears that with increasing the solute contents, the Cu-Ti system exhibits monotonically reduced positive strain rate sensitivity (SRS, m ), whereas the Cu-Mo system manifests almost constant negative SRS. The fundamental difference in SRS m between Cu-Ti and Cu-Mo is rationalized in terms of the interactions between solute atomic clusters and dislocations based on the cross-core diffusion mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High quality WE43 magnesium alloy ingots with diameter of 500 mm are successfully fabricated by direct-chill (DC) casting. The alloying elements distributed almost homogeneously across the large ingot. With the average grain size decreasing from the center to the edge of the ingot, the mechanical properties are improved gradually. After solution treatment at 525 °C for 8 h, the Mg 14 Nd 2 Y phases distributing along the grain boundaries are well dissolved into matrix. The direct-chill (DC) casting ingot exhibits remarkable age-hardening response from 85 Hv to 117 Hv after T6 treatment at 250 °C. The T6 peak-aged sample exhibits ultimate tensile strength of 274 MPa, yield strength of 215 MPa and elongation to failure of 3.4%, which are higher than those of sand-cast and permanent mold cast WE43 alloys. The large amount of nano prismatic β ′ and β 1 phases precipitated during T6 treatment contribute to improved strength of the WE43 alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Ca/Al ratio on microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-cast and as-extruded Mg-Al-Ca-Mn alloys were investigated. The as-cast Mg-Al-Ca-Mn alloys with Ca/Al mass ratios less than 0.50 contain divorced and lamellar eutectic (Mg,Al) 2 Ca. When Ca/Al ratio is greater than 0.90, fine lamellar Mg 2 Ca phase is formed in the as-cast Mg-Al-Ca-Mn alloys. After extrusion, the second phases are broken and dispersed along the extrusion direction. The area fraction of DRXed regions decrease with increasing Ca/Al ratio, the microstructure changes from an almost fully recrystallized structure to a bimodal structure consisting of fine dynamically recrystallized (DRXed) grains and coarse deformed regions. With increasing Ca/Al ratio, the DRXed grains and dispersed second phases are refined. The as-extruded alloys exhibit a strong basal fiber texture, the intensity of which is increased with increasing Ca/Al ratio. With increasing Ca/Al ratio, the {0002}<11-20> texture component in the DRXed regions is suppressed, and shifted to a {0002}<10-10> texture component. The strength of the as-extruded Mg-Al-Ca-Mn alloys increases significantly with increasing Ca/Al ratio. The as-extruded Mg-2.7Al-3.5Ca-0.4Mn (wt%) alloy exhibits a tensile proof strength of 438 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 457 MPa. The extraordinary high strengths are attributed to the ultrafine DRXed grains pinned by fragmented secondary phases, strong basal texture and dense nano-scale precipitates. The present research indicates that the Mg-Al-Ca-Mn alloys have a great potential as next generation low-cost ultrahigh-strength wrought Mg alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The (micron[m]+submicron[s]+nano[n]) SiC particles (SiCp) reinforced AZ31B magnesium matrix composites (AZ31B/SiCp/m + s + n composites) were fabricated by stirring casting technology followed by hot extrusion. This method has successfully solved the homodisperse problem of SiCp/m + s + n in the magnesium matrix composites. The influence of SiCp/m + s + n on the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of the magnesium matrix was investigated by researching the TEM microstructures of composites. The results indicated that the addition of SiCp/m + s + n was helpful to increase the ratio of DRXed nucleation and reduce the average grain size of matrix. The particle deformation zone (PDZ) can be formed in the vicinity of micron SiCp, while the region with high dislocation density can be created around submicron SiCp owing to pin dislocation and deformation mismatch between matrix and particles. These regions are ideal sites for the formation of recrystallization nucleus. Meanwhile, the addition of fine SiCp(nano and submicron) may delay or hinder the growth of matrix grain through the pinning effect on the grain boundaries during hot extrusion. The tensile test indicates that the strength of the AZ31B/SiCp/m + s + n composites has a significant improvement. Compared with the single sized or bimodal sized particles reinforced magnesium matrix composites, the tensile strength of the AZ31B/SiCp/m + s + n composites were highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mg-6 mass%Zn alloys microalloyed with different amounts of Ca were cast and extruded. The second phase in the as-cast Mg-6Zn alloy is Mg 4 Zn 7 , which is replaced by Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 with an increase of Ca addition. Microalloying by Ca affects the grain size, dynamic recrystallization, and dynamic precipitation of Mg-6Zn alloys during extrusion. The Ca addition inhibits dynamic recrystallization and grain growth due to the pinning effect of fine precipitates, giving rise to fine dynamic recrystallized grains. A large amount of precipitates is observed in the Ca containing alloys after extrusion. Ca effectively improves strength of the as-extruded Mg-6Zn alloy, which is mainly attributed to refined dynamic recrystallized grains, dense precipitates, and deformed regions with high-density dislocations and strong basal texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium matrix nanocomposite (1 vol.% nano-SiCp/AZ31) sheets were successfully fabricated by hot rolling at 350 °C with per pass reduction of 15% and total reduction up to 84%. Microstructure and texture evolution of the nanocomposites during hot rolling were investigated. Twinning and associated dynamic recrystallization (TDRX) were the dominant features at the initial stage of hot rolling. With the increase of rolling passes, grains were refined gradually due to dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and distribution of nanoparticles was also well modified. Meanwhile, shear bands became denser and longer with proceeding of hot rolling. Basal texture splitting along transverse direction was observed during hot rolling and intensity of the basal texture first increased and then showed a sharp decrease, while the uniformity kept increasing. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposite sheets were substantially enhanced. Compared with that of the as-cast nanocomposite, yield strength of the 11 passes hot-rolled sheet was more than doubled. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposite sheets showed a distinct anisotropy along rolling direction and transverse direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both twinning and its reversible process, i.e., detwinning, play important roles in crystalline plasticity, especially for nanostructured metals and alloys. Contrary to the popular belief that the nanotwinned (NT) microstructure is quite stable, in this work, we reported the twinning/detwinning-mediated grain growth (GG) and dislocation nucleation-controlled strength softening in the high stacking fault energy (SFE) NT-Ni foils with different grain sizes but nearly identical twin lamellar thickness during tension at room temperature. We further proposed two possible dislocation–boundary interaction mechanisms that cause GG via twinning/detwinning processes, and elucidated strain rate effect on the double-inverse grain size dependence of twinning/detwinning in nanostructured Ni samples. Our findings provide in-depth insights into the manipulation of internal features of metals and alloys with high SFE to achieve optimum robust performance for practical applications and fundamental understanding of the twinning/detwinning behavior of NT-materials to predict their stability and evolution of microstructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A particulate reinforced magnesium matrix nanocomposite was subjected to multidirectional forging (MDF). The results showed that the microstructure of the nanocomposite mainly consisted of some large initial grains and fine recrystallized grains along initial grain boundaries after 1 MDF pass. With increasing the MDF passes, the degree of dynamic recrystallization increased and ultrafine grains with average size of about 20 nm were observed in the nanocomposites after 6 MDF passes. The distribution of SiC nanoparticles in the nanocomposite was homogeneous outside some SiC nanoparticle dense zones after different MDF passes. Compared with typical basal texture obtained for 1 MDF pass, the basal pole intensity decreased firstly for 3 MDF pass and then increased for 6 MDF passes. Both ultimate tensile strength and elongation to fracture of the nanocomposite were enhanced with increasing the MDF passes, while yield strength decreased after 3 MDF passes and then increased slightly after 6 MDF passes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg–5.3 wt%Zn alloy microalloyed with 0.2 wt%Ca and 0.5 wt%Ce was extruded, and the microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of the as-extruded alloy were investigated. The undissolved coarse T 1 ′during homogenization treatment stimulated nucleation of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains during extrusion. The double microalloying with Ca and Ce promoted the dynamic precipitation, resulting in high density precipitates after hot extrusion. Fine Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 particles precipitated dynamically at the grain boundaries (GBs) could effectively hinder the grain growth during hot extrusion. A weaker texture in DRXed grains was attributed to the coarse-particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) and pinning of the grain boundaries by fine precipitates. The fine DRXed grains, high density of dislocation in the unDRXed region, and fine dense precipitates gave rise to the improved strength of the as-extruded Mg–Zn–Ca–Ce alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Novel stir casting assisted by ultrasonic treatment was developed. [•] Ultrasonic treatment significantly improved the stir casting. [•] Ultrasonic treatment improved the mechanical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNTs) reinforced Mg matrix composites were successfully fabricated by a novel approach. After hot extrusion, the influence of CNTs on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–6Zn matrix was investigated. The results showed that most CNTs distributed uniformly and individually in the composites, and good interfacial bonding was achieved. CNTs significantly refined the grains of Mg–6Zn matrix, and the CNTs evidently improved the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS) and Young's modulus. Grain refinement, load transfer mechanism and Orowan strengthening mechanism play important roles on the increase of the yield strength. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Submicron-SiCp/AZ31B composites were fabricated.. [•] The influence of submicron SiCp for matrix alloy was determined. [•] Mechanical properties of submicron SiCp/AZ31B composite were enhanced significantly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Friction stir processing (FSP) was applied to Mg–Gd–Y–Zn–Zr casting. [•] The grain boundary Mg3RE and LPSO phases in the casting dissolved after FSP. [•] Fine grains with LPSO phase distributed only within the grains was achieved. [•] High mechanical properties were obtained in FSP Mg–Gd–Y–Zn–Zr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg–5.3Zn–0.2Ca–0.5Ce (wt%) alloy fabricated by semi-continuous casting were investigated. The as-cast alloy consists of α-Mg, Ca2Mg6Zn3 and T′1 phase with orthorhombic structure (a=0.57nm, b=0.75nm and c=1.00nm). T′1 phase mainly distributes at the triple conjunctions while the Ca2Mg6Zn3 at the grain boundaries. The as-cast alloy exhibits high strength retention due to the stable Ca2Mg6Zn3 and T′1 phase at the grain boundaries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A large Mg-4.50Zn-1.13Ca (wt%) alloy ingot 350mm in diameter and 1730mm long was successfully fabricated by semi-continuous casting. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the as-cast and as-extruded alloys were investigated. The as-cast alloy exhibits uniform chemical composition and microstructure from the centre to the surface of the ingot and mainly consists of α-Mg and Ca2Mg6Zn3. The coarse grains and network-like second phases that are distributed at the grain boundaries result in poor mechanical properties for the as-cast alloy. The mechanical properties of the as-extruded alloys are significantly enhanced. The high yield strengths of the as-extruded alloys mainly result from the fine DRXed grain and the stronger basal texture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extruded Mg–8.2Gd–3.8Y–1Zn–0.4Zr (wt%) alloy was subjected to ageing treatment at 200°C. The microstructures, textures and mechanical properties of the as-extruded and peak-aged alloys were investigated. Recrystallization occurred during ageing treatment. A large number of β′ phases were observed in the peak-aged alloy, accompanied with the decrease of the volume fraction of LPSO phases. A basal fiber texture and an unusual texture component with basal planes perpendicular to the extrusion direction were found in the as-extruded alloy, and the basal fiber texture was strengthened after ageing treatment. The peak-aged alloy exhibited a tensile yield strength (TYS), an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and an elongation to failure of 395MPa, 470MPa and 8%, respectively, at ambient temperature, and 271MPa, 311MPa and 19%, respectively, at 300°C. The superior strength of the peak-aged alloy was mainly attributed to the precipitation of fine β′ phases, the remaining LPSO phases and the texture modification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, 0.2μm SiCp/AZ91 composite was fabricated by stir casting technology. The influence of fine (<1μm) particles on the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of AZ91 matrix was investigated by researching the microstructure evolution of 0.2μm 1vol% SiCp/AZ91 composite during the hot extrusion process. Results showed that the DRXed ratio of AZ91 matrix increased as well as the average size of DRXed grains reduced due to the addition of fine particles. The SiCp could not only pin dislocation, but also was helpful to generate dislocations owing to the deformation mismatch between matrix and particles, thus causing the increase of dislocation density around SiCp, which was benefit to stimulate DRX nucleation. Meanwhile, the growth of DRXed grains was suppressed in the following deformation process due to the pinning effect of fine particles on grain boundaries. Thus, the fine particles had significant effect on stimulating DRXed nucleation and refining grain size. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the as-deformed 0.2μm 1vol% SiCp/AZ91 composite are 275 and 335MPa, respectively, which are mainly attributed to the grain refinement, basal plane texture and uniform particle distribution induced by hot deformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–8.2Gd–3.8Y–1.0Zn–0.4Zr (wt%) alloy sheets produced by combined processes of extrusion, large-strain hot rolling and ageing treatment were investigated. The sheet rolled at 300°C was mainly composed of deformed grains while that rolled at 400°C was fully recrystallized, and the LPSO phase distributed at the grain boundaries in both sheets. The sheet rolled at 300°C and then peak-aged at 200°C exhibits 0.2% proof stress (PS) of 454MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 469MPa and elongation to failure of 1.3% at ambient temperature, and 0.2% PS of 413MPa, UTS of 457MPa and elongation to failure of 6.8% at 200°C, respectively. While the sheet rolled at 400°C and peak aged at 200°C had lower 0.2% PS and superior ductility. The improvement of strength is ascribed to the fine β′ phase precipitated within the grains, the LPSO phase and dispersed cuboid Mg–Gd–Y containing phase located at the grain boundaries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 10vol% 10μm SiCp/AZ91 composite fabricated by stir casting was compressed with four temperatures and four strain rates. Compression improved the SiC particle distribution of the composite. Particles segregation was easy to be reduced at higher compressive temperatures. Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) took place in the matrix during hot compression. DRX areas were mainly located near particle aggregations at grain boundaries. Temperatures and strain rates significantly affected the DRX behavior of the matrix, which causes the different microstructures of the composites compressed at different parameters. In addition, temperatures and strain rates also significantly affected the dislocations and twins of the matrix. The secondary twins were observed at higher strain rates. The twins recovered at the higher temperatures and lower strain rates. As temperatures increased, the density and morphology of the dislocations evidently changed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Equal channel angular pressing was performed on the extruded pure Mg. The elongation to failure of the ECAPed pure Mg is enhanced to 27% without sacrificing the strength, which is mainly resulted from both the effective refinement of grain size and the weakening of the basal plane texture. The internal friction mechanisms of magnesium at room and elevated temperature were studied by dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The strain independent internal friction is increased after ECAP processing, while the strain dependent part is obviously decreased. Three internal friction peaks were observed in the temperature dependent internal friction curves. The activation energy is 105kJ/mol for P1 peak, which may be related to the basal dislocation glide controlled by climb of jogs and diffusion of vacancies along dislocations. The activation energy of P2 peak is in the range from 95 to 181kJ/mol, and this obviously broadened peak is associated with grain boundary relaxation. The P3 peak is related to recrystallization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: SiCp/Mg–Zn–Ca composite fabricated by stir casting was extruded at three different temperatures. Firstly, hot extrusion significantly improved particle distribution and refined the grains of the matrix. Even, nano-grains were observed in the composite extruded at 250°C. Secondly, extrusion evidently refined the size of the second phases, but also changed the distribution of the second phases. Extrusion temperatures obviously affected the size and distribution of the second phases. Thirdly, the interface between SiCp and matrix was also modified by hot extrusion. Finally, all as-extruded composites possessed good mechanical properties. Below 150°C, the UTS was very high in the extruded composites, but their strengths decreased sharply above 150°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mg-8.2Gd-3.8Y-1.0Zn-0.4Zr alloy ingot with diameter of 280mm and length of 2940mm was successfully fabricated by semi-continuous casting. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the large ingot at different locations were investigated. The concentration of the RE and Zn elements distributed almost homogeneously through the whole alloy ingot. The average grain size decreased from the center to the surface of the alloy ingot, while the strength and ductility were improved gradually. The main eutectic compounds located at the grain boundaries were (Mg,Zn)3(Gd,Y) phase, adjacent to these eutectic compounds the 14H-type long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase formed. Furthermore, some block-shaped Mg24(Gd,Y)5 phase and isolated Zr cores can be recognized in the interior of the grains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this research, the as-cast and as-homogenized Mg–8.2Gd–3.8Y–1.0Zn–0.4Zr alloy were subjected to the hot rolling with the same processing parameters. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the two kinds of as-rolled sheets were investigated. The sheet rolled from the as-cast alloy was mainly composed of recrystallized α-Mg grains surrounded by Mg3(Gd,Y) eutectic compounds. While the sheet rolled from the as-homogenized alloy was composed of large deformed grains with long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase inside and fewer recrystallized α-Mg grains, and exhibited higher strength due to the deformed grains with stronger basal texture and larger volume fraction of long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mg–8.2Gd–3.8Y–1.0Zn–0.4Zr alloy sheets containing long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase were prepared by hot rolling at 400°C with total reduction of 96%. Microstructure evolution of the sheets during hot rolling was investigated, and its influence on mechanical properties was discussed. Twinning occurred during the early stage of hot rolling, and disappeared after total reduction higher than 89%. Average grain size was gradually refined, microstructure became much more homogeneous and volume fraction of LPSO phase decreased with increasing rolling reduction. Furthermore, the type of LPSO phases far from and near the block shaped phases were identified to be different. Basal texture was obtained during rolling process, but the intensity declined with the further rolling, which is mainly due to the dynamic recrystallization and the addition of RE elements. The as-rolled sheet with 96% reduction shows excellent mechanical properties: yield strength of 318MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 403MPa and elongation to failure of 13.7% at ambient temperature along the rolling direction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

sAbstract: The Mg/Al laminated composites were fabricated by the accumulative roll bonding (ARB) at ambient temperature using the pure magnesium and commercial pure Al sheets. Mg grains were refined after the primary sandwich preparation and then homogenized during the following ARB process while the grain size of Al layer decreased with increasing of the accumulated strains. Both the yield strength and ultimate strength along rolling direction and transverse direction increased gradually while the elongation to failure along both directions decreased with increasing of the ARB cycles. Formation of the Mg17Al12 phase indicated that the ARB process at ambient temperature could lead to a metallurgic bonding of the Mg/Al interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, three kinds of magnesium matrix composites reinforced by SiCp with the sizes of 0.2, 5 and 10μm, respectively, were fabricated by stir casting technology. Then the as-cast ingots were deformed by the combination of forging and extrusion process. Typical microstructures were obtained in the composites reinforced by different particle sizes. For the composites with lower volume fraction of particles (2%), submicron SiCp had significant influence on grain refinement and strengthening effect, which resulted in better mechanical properties of submicron SiCp/AZ91 composite. However, mechanical properties reduced owing to the obvious agglomerated submicron SiC particles as the volume fraction increased to 5% and 10%. On the contrary, for micron SiCp/AZ91 composite, the grain size was refined and the strengthening effect was enhanced with the increasing of volume fraction. Although particle size has no influence on the texture type, it has different effects on weakening the intensity of texture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: SiCp/AZ91 composites fabricated by stir casting were extruded at different extrusion temperatures and ratios. Extrusion reduced the necklace-type particle distribution and improved particle distribution of the composites. As extrusion temperatures and ratios increased, particle distribution was improved, and the grain sizes of matrix increased. The mechanical properties of the composites were improved with the increase of extrusion temperatures and ratios. The microstructure evolution of matrix was not the main influential factor of the mechanical properties of the composites. The particle evolution, which included particle redistribution and particle cracking induced by extrusion, significantly affected the mechanical properties of the extruded composites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A particulate reinforced magnesium matrix nanocomposite was fabricated by ultrasonic vibration. Compared with as-cast AZ91 alloy, grain size of matrix in the SiCp/AZ91 nanocomposite decreased and morphology of phase Mg17Al12 varied from coarse plates to lamellar precipitates. Although there were still some SiC microclusters in the nanocomposite, most of the SiC nanoparticles were dispersed well outside the microclusters. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation to fracture of the SiCp/AZ91 nanocomposite were simultaneously enhanced compared with that of the AZ91 alloy. The study of interface between the SiC nanoparticles and the matrix in the nanocomposite suggested that SiC nanoparticles bonded well with the matrix without interfacial activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, firstly, dynamic microstructural changes of an as-cast Mg–5.0 Zn–0.9 Y–0.16 Zr (wt.%) alloy (designated ZWK510) during hot extrusion at 350°C and a ram speed of 3.33mms−1 was systematically investigated by electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) mechanism during hot extrusion was discussed. Then, the effect of microstructure and texture on the mechanical properties of the as-extruded alloy specimens at room temperature was discussed. The as-cast ZWK510 alloy consists of a-Mg and quasicrystalline I-phase. During hot extrusion at 350°C, the main DRX mechanism is the continuous DRX near the original grain boundaries. The I-phase can accelerate the DRX behavior near these areas by obstructing the slip of dislocations. The deformation twins and massive blocky substructures formed in original grains can coordinate the DRX process near the original grain boundaries, however the DRX seldom occurs inside of these area. After further deformation, these deformation twins and massive blocky substructures are elongated along the material flow and become so-called unDRXed area, then a bimodal “necklace structure” composed of fine DRXed grains of about 2.1μm and unrecrystallized coarse area is formed. The extruded ZWK510 alloy shows a DRX ratio of about 58% and a typical basal fiber texture of extrusion direction (ED). In the DRXed area around the crushed eutectic I-phase a large number of fine I-phase precipitates are observed pinning at the newly formed DRXed grain boundaries. The 0.2% proof strength and the ultimate tensile strength of the extruded ZWK510 alloy specimen are 317 and 363MPa, respectively, with an elongation to failure of 12%, which have been attributed to strong basal fiber texture, refined grain size as well as the existence of fine precipitates formed during the hot extrusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of trace Mn addition on the microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of the as-cast and as-extruded Mg–5.25wt.% Zn–0.6wt.% Ca (ZX51) alloys was investigated in this study. Mn addition had a negligible effect on the grain size of the as-cast ZX51 alloy. However, the addition of Mn led to the obvious decrease of grain size in the as-extruded Mg–5.25wt.% Zn–0.6wt.% Ca–0.3wt.% Mn (ZXM510) alloy, because the Mn addition restricted the grain growth during the hot extrusion process. After the addition of Mn, the basal fiber texture with most of {0002} planes parallel to the extrusion direction (ED) was significantly enhanced in the as-extruded ZXM510 alloy. Both tensile yield strength (TYS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) were increased in the as-extruded ZXM510 alloy, while the ductility was slightly decreased, which was ascribed to the grain refinement and texture strengthening. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mg–5.25wt.% Zn–0.6wt.% Ca alloy was subjected to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 250°C using route A, Bc and C, respectively, in order to investigate the effect of shearing strain path on microstructure, texture and mechanical properties. Route Bc was the most effective in grain refinement and generating high angle grain boundaries, while route A was the least effective. Different textures were developed when a different ECAP route was applied. After ECAP using route A, the tensile yield strength (TYS) got much higher than those of the as-extruded alloy, which was primarily resulted from the strengthening due to the grain refinement. Because the Schmid factor for basal slip system was changed only a little, the texture soften effect was not obvious. After ECAP using route C, TYS of the Mg alloy was significantly decreased although the grain size was significantly refined, because the texture softening effect was dominant over the strengthening due to the grain refinement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An ultrafine-grained (UFG) Mg–5.12wt.% Zn–0.32wt.% Ca alloy with an average grain size of 0.7μm was produced by subjecting the as-extruded alloy to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) for 4 passes at 250°C. The fine secondary phase restricted the dynamic recrystallized (DRXed) grain growth during the ECAP processing, resulting in a remarkable grain refinement. A new texture was formed in the ECAPed Mg alloy with the {0002} plane inclined at an angle of 58° relative to the extrusion direction. The yield stress (YS) was decreased in the as-ECAPed alloy with finer grains, indicating that the texture softening effect was dominant over the strengthening from grain refinement. The ductility of the as-ECAPed alloy was increased to 18.2%. The grain refinement caused an obvious decrease in work hardening rate in the as-ECAPed alloy during tensile deformation at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]