Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of the Magnesium Alloy Mg-6.8Y-2.5Zn-0.5Al Produced by Casting and Hot Rolling

Abstract

In recent years, magnesium alloys have been received much attention as important structural materials for lightweight components in automotive, electronic and space industries because of the low density, high specific strength, high damping capacities and good casting properties. Among various magnesium alloys, rare earth (RE) containing alloys are known to show high strength, excellent creep resistance, and good thermal stability. Long period stacking ordered structures (LPSO) being responsible for the improved property profile in some Mg–RE alloys. One promising system are the Mg-Y-Zn alloys, which are predominantly processed via extrusion. Only a few studies are focused on hot rolling. However, these works are confined to rolling temperatures between 350 °C and 420 °C. The present paper summarizes the development of a rolling technique including pass schedule and heat treatment for the magnesium alloy Mg-6.8Y-2.5Zn-0.5Al in as-cast condition in order to produce sheets with a final thickness of 2.5 mm. The investigations are accompanied by the characterization of the microstructure as well as the determination of the mechanical properties.