Formation of a Novel X Phase in Mg–Gd–Zn–Zr Alloy

Abstract

The coherent fine-lamellae consisting of the 2H-Mg and the 14H-type long period stacking ordered (LPSO) structure within α'-Mg matrix have been observed in an as-cast Mg–Gd–Zn–Zr alloy. During subsequent solid solution heat treatment at 773 K, in addition to the lamellae within matrix, a novel lamellar X phase [Mg–(8.37±1.0)Zn–(11.32±1.0)Gd] with the 14H-type LPSO structure was transformed from the dendritical β phase. The 14H-type LPSO structure existing in Mg–Gd–Zn–Zr alloys derives from two variant ways: formation of the 14H-type LPSO structure comes from two variant means: i.e., the formation within matrix and the phase transformation from the β phase to the X phase in grain boundaries.