Influence of Neodymium on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-9Li-3Al Alloy

Abstract

Mg-9Li-3Al magnesium alloys with varied level of Nd added (i.e., 0-2.0wt. %) alloys were prepared electric resistance stir casting furnace under controlled inert gas atmosphere. Impact of Nd addition on metallographical changes and mechanical characteristics of as-cast alloys were analyzed by using an OM, XRD, SEM with EDS. The metallography evaluation revealed that adding Nd refines the microstructures due to formation of Al2Nd and Al11Nd3 precipitates, these precipitates exists together with α-Mg, β-Li, AlLi, MgLi2Al phases in the alloy. Furthermore, adding Nd improves the mechanical strength and elongation. 1.5wt.% Nd added alloy displayed the better mechanical characteristics; UTS is 166MPa; Elongation 16.87%.