Using multiscale second phases to fabricate high-performance Mg-3Al-3Nd-0.1Mn alloys with bimodal grain structures

Abstract

The quest for magnesium alloys that combine high strength and high ductility drives significant research effort aimed at broadening their use in various sectors. In this research, a low-alloy Mg-3Al-3Nd-0.1Mn (AEM330) was successfully prepared through Hard Plate Rolling (HPR), achieving an ideal combination of high strength and ductility via carefully modifying grain structure at lower rolling temperature. The optimized processing conditions led to an alloy with an ultimate tensile strength of 427 MPa and an notable elongation of 11.4 %. The AEM330 processed by HPR displayed unique bimodal grain structure with coarse grains (CGs) sizes ∼13.66 µm and fine grains (FGs) sizes ∼2.36 µm, and their strength and ductility were found to be directly related to the microstructural differences between CGs and FGs. A crucial discovery of this study is the essential role of the Al2Nd phase (larger than 1 µm) and the Al11Nd3 phase (smaller than 1 µm) in forming bimodal grain structure. The former phase plays a significant role in recrystallization by particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN), and the latter restricts grain size via Zener pinning. Furthermore, it was found that the ratio of CGs to FGs could be controlled by modifying the rolling temperature. Importantly, the simple composition and direct shaping process of the AEM330 alloy not only improve its cost-effectiveness but also streamline the manufacturing process; thus, enhancing its potential for broad industrial use.