Ultra-high strength Mg-9Gd-4Y-0.5Zr alloy with bi-modal structure processed by traditional extrusion

Abstract

It is usual to observe that multi-scale structures can lead to combined strength and ductility both in aluminum alloys and steels, but related research has been seldom reported yet in magnesium alloys. In this study, applying traditional one step extrusion, we have successfully obtained a bimodal (Mg-9Gd-4Y-0.5Zr) alloy capable of ultra-high strength. The characterized sample reveal a bi-modal microstructure with two constitutions, i.e. stretched coarse-grain region with strong basal fiber texture and recrystallization fine-grain region. The bi-modal structured sample exhibit excellent mechanical properties with an ultimate strength 508 MPa and elongation 8% via 400 °C extrusion and subsequently 200 °C-60 h peak aging process. Ultra-high strength can be attributed to its strong extrusion texture in stretched coarse grains and dispersed nano-scale precipitates. This unique bimodal structure could be produced easily by one step extrusion, which is quite reliable and low costs in industrial applications of magnesium alloys with ultra-high strength as well as ideal ductility.