Abstract
The effect of 2 mass% rare earth elements (RE) as in mischmetal state on the structure, thermal behaviour and mechanical properties of Mg–xLi–4Al (x = 4, 8 and 12 by mass percentage). The thermo-derivative analysis was implemented using the UMSA platform (Universal Metallurgical Simulator and Analyzer) with cooling rate approx. ≈ 0.6 °C s−1 that correspond to natural cooling. Microstructural evaluations were identified by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, light microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Obtained results from the thermal derivative analysis allowed determining the solidification pathways for Mg–Li–Al–RE alloy. The addition of grain refinement causes changes in crystallisation process. The addition of RE elements affected an enhancement in mechanical properties, which was associated with the development of intermetallic compounds; the maximum increases in hardness at level 240% was observed for single α-phase alloy and at level 19% for α + β alloy.
Highlights
As unique structural materials, Mg–Li alloys have become hopeful materials for various utilisations in the areas of aerospace and military engineering because of their attributes, such as super lightweight, relatively high specific strength and stiffness, and good formability
It must be noted that the volume fraction of c-Mg17Al12 phase is too low to be detected in the X-ray analysis
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile of unmodified 12 mass%Li alloy demonstrates that it consists of one phase—b(Li) phase (matrix phase, a solid solution of magnesium in body-centred cubic lithium lattice)
Summary
Mg–Li alloys have become hopeful materials for various utilisations in the areas of aerospace and military engineering because of their attributes, such as super lightweight, relatively high specific strength and stiffness, and good formability. Obtained results from the thermal derivative analysis allowed determining the solidification pathways for Mg–Li–Al–RE alloy. The microstructure evolution, thermal derivative analysis, dilatation, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy methods were used to examine the effect of RE elements on Mg–Li–Al alloys.
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