HRTEM Observation of Precipitates at Early Stage of Aging in Mg-Gd-Zr Alloy

Abstract

High resolution transmission electron microscopy（HRTEM）observation was performed to clarify morphology of precipitates at early stage of aging in Mg-Gd-Zr alloy. In the specimen aged at 423K, monolayer was observed on {1100}Mg planes. With increasing aging time, the monolayer and β” phase grew along the <1120>Mg directions. Arrangement of bright dots corresponding to {020}β’ except for the monolayer and β” phase was observed before peak aging stage. β’ phases formed at the same aging stage. Thus, these precipitates co-existed before peak aging stage. The monolayer, β” phase and β’ phase still co-existed in the peak aged specimen. The β’ phase was dominated in the peak hardness. It is revealed that the monolayer lying on {1100}Mg act as precursor of β” phase and β’ phase.