Deformability and strengthening of superlight Mg-Li alloys

Deformability of Mg-Li alloys at room temperature and heat treatment characteristics of superlight Mg-8~30mass%Li alloys containing aluminum will be reviewed. Li addition enhances the deformability of magnesium. Particularly, the deformability of magnesium increases remarkably by the addition of lithium of more than 6mass%, which crystallizes lithium solid solution. Al, In or Ag addition to Mg-Li alloys leads to quenching hardenability due to solutionizing to 3 phase, and age hardening by spinodal decomposition into the additives+Li rich and poor phases from supersaturated solid solution. Alloying elements are solutionized to some extent and the growth of recrystallized grains is restricted by shortening the holding time at300°Cor350°C. Consequently, high strength and reasonable elongation can be obtained by such a heat treatment.