Mechanical properties of Mg-9Gd-4Y-0.6Zr alloy

The microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg-9Gd-4Y-0.6Zr alloy were investigated. The results show that the ultimate tensile strengths of the extrusion-T5 temper of this alloy at -196, 25, 250, 300 and 350 degrees C areas high as 521, 370, 348, 262 and 150 MPa, respectively. It is noteworthy that 8% plasticity occurs at -196 degrees C and 180% superplasticity occurs at 400 degrees C. In the peak hardness of Cast-T5, Cast-T6, Ext-T5 and Ext-T6, the highest is that of Ext-T5. The prismatic precipitates providing an effective barrier to dislocation gliding on the basal plane are the cause of strengthening of this alloy. The plate-shaped precipitates formed on the prismatic planes provide the most effective barriers to the gliding dislocations, and they are the cause of strengthening of this alloy.