Effect of Y on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg−4Li−3Al alloys

Abstract

To obtain magnesium alloys with a low density and improved mechanical properties, Y element was added into Mg−4Li−3Al (wt.%) alloys, and the effect of Y content on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties was investigated by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and tensile tests. The results show that mechanical properties of as-cast Mg−4Li−3Al alloys with Y addition are significantly improved as a result of hot extrusion. The best comprehensive mechanical properties are obtained in hot-extruded Mg−4Li−3Al−1.5Y alloy, which possesses high ultimate tensile strength (UTS=248 MPa) and elongation (δ=27%). The improvement of mechanical properties of hot-extruded Mg−4Li−3Al−1.5Y alloy was mainly attributed to combined effects of grain refinement, solid solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening.