Development of lightweight Mg Li Al alloys with high specific strength

The microstructure and compressive mechanical properties of squeeze casted Mg 15Li xAl (x = 0, 1, 3 and 5 wt%) alloys have been investigated. With addition of Aluminum (Al) in Mg 15Li alloy, the compressive yield strength is continuously increased and density is slightly decreased. This improved mechanical property is mainly attributed to the precipitation of Al Li intermetallic compounds into the β-phase and grain size refinement of β-phase. Accordingly, lightweight and high specific strength Mg Li Al alloys were developed successfully via proper addition of Al contents, resulted from favorable microstructural evolution.