Effect of Ce addition on the microstructure, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of Mg–0.5Mn alloys

Abstract

The effect of Ce addition on the microstructure, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of Mg–0.5Mn alloy was investigated systematically in this study. In addition, the thermal conductivity was measured using flash method in the temperature range of 293–523 K. Results indicate that Ce addition refined the grain structure of both as–cast and as–extruded of Mg–0.5Mn alloys. Moreover, the weakening of texture can be observed by Ce addition. The thermal conductivity of as–cast Mg–0.5Mn–xCe alloys decreased gradually with the increase of Ce content. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity of as–extruded Mg–0.5Mn–0.3Ce alloy (139.7 W/(m·K)) was higher than that of other as-extruded alloys. Furthermore, the as–extruded Mg–0.5Mn–xCe alloys exhibited higher thermal conductivity than that of as–cast counterparts, except for Mg–0.5Mn–0.6Ce alloy. The weakening of basal texture resulted in the improvement of thermal conductivity of wrought products. The yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of as–extruded Mg–0.5Mn alloys were enhanced by Ce addition. The as–extruded Mg–0.5Mn–0.3Ce alloy showed the best strength and moderate elongation (EL). The UTS, YS and EL of this alloy were 295.9 MPa, 320.9 MPa and 9.6%, respectively.