Structure and mechanical characterization of Mg-Nd-Zn alloys prepared by different processes

Abstract

Magnesium alloys containing about 3 wt. % of Nd and 0.5 wt. % of Zn are considered as promising materials for application in transport and medical industry. Properly treated materials can reach ultimate tensile strength (UTS) higher than 300 MPa. Also the corrosion resistance of these alloys is superior to many other magnesium-based materials. Present work is focused on the preparation of Mg-3Nd-0.5Zn magnesium alloy by classical casting and subsequent thermal treatment. As-cast material was extruded at 400 °C, with extrusion ratio equal to 16 and velocity of 0.2 mm/s. The effect of thermal treatment and also strong plastic deformation during extrusion on final structure conditions and mechanical properties is specified. Present results confirm significant improvement of tensile yield strength (TYS) and UTS after extrusion process as a consequence of fine-grained structure combined with precipitation strengthening. Beside, texture strengthening in the direction parallel to the extrusion has been observed too.