Effect of cerium alloying on microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of magnesium during cold-rolling process

Hot-extrusion and cold-rolling were conducted on Mg–Ce binary alloys to explore the effect of cerium (Ce) on microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of Mg alloys. The addition of Ce results in significant grain refinement both in as-cast and hot-extruded samples. The basal texture is also weakened after extrusion and an inclined basal texture is formed with Ce addition. The strength and elongation of the Mg–Ce alloys are improved simultaneously due to such grain refinement and texture weakening effect. After cold-rolling, plenty of twins are found in the pure Mg and AZ31 plates while grains in the Mg-0.3Ce plate deform more uniformly without lamellar twin structure. Furthermore, Mg-0.3Ce alloys own strong and continuous strain hardening because Ce atoms and Mg–Ce precipitated phases serve as obstacles for dislocation slip.