Thermodynamic prediction of thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity in Mg–Zn–La/Ce system.

• Heat dissipating Mg–Zn–La/Ce alloys were designed based on thermodynamic database. • τ 1 phases have more negative influence on thermal diffusivity than REMg 12. • Solute atom is dominant factor affecting thermal conductivity of Mg–Zn–RE alloys. • The thermal diffusivities of Mg–Zn–La/Ce alloys were predicted by CALPHAD method. Basic thermal properties and mechanical properties are critical parameters for the structural magnesium alloys. Solute atoms and second phases can improve mechanical properties, but are deteriorating the heat dissipation performance. Through experimental determination of alloys, it is found that REMg 12 phases have fewer negative impacts on thermal diffusivities than τ 1 phases. With the same intermetallic compound, the solute atom Zn have more negative influences on thermal diffusivities of Mg–Zn–La/Ce alloys than the content of second phases. In order to quantitatively evaluate thermal conductivities and further design Mg alloys with both high strength and high thermal conductivity, a calculated method is provided to describe the thermal diffusivity of alloys as a function of alloy composition and phase constitution. A set of parameters for expression of thermal diffusivity of Mg–Zn–La/Ce alloys were obtained through assessing the experimental data. The thermal conductivities of Mg–Zn–La/Ce system were predicted and agreed well with experimental values with calculation error of 1.6% and standard error of ±3.0 W/(m K). The calculation method considering thermal diffusivity resistivity improves the calculation accuracy and would be physically significant. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]