Microstructures and properties of superlight Mg-Li-Al-Zn wrought alloys

Superlight alloys, including Mg-8Li-1Al, Mg-8Li-1Zn and Mg-8Li-1Al-1Zn, were prepared using vacuum induction melting furnace. Microstructures and phases of the alloys were studied with optical microscope and X-ray diffraction. Mechanical properties of these alloys were measured with tensile tester. The results of tensile tests show that, the as-rolled Mg-8Li-1Al alloy with a thickness of 0.16 mm has the highest tensile strength (313.9 MPa). The as-extruded Mg-8Li-1Zn alloy with a thickness of 3 mm has the maximum elongation (44%). The as-rolled Mg-8Li-1Al-1Zn alloy with a thickness of 0.18 mm has both high tensile strength and high elongation (233.38 MPa and 9.2%, respectively). (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.