Influence of Y/CeMM ratio on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg95Zn2(Y,CeMM)3 alloys

The influence of Y/CeMM ratio on the microstructure and mechanical properties at room temperature of extruded Mg95Zn2(Y,CeMM)(3) alloys was evaluated. The volume fraction of second phases, mainly intermetallic Mg12RE and long period stacking ordered phase (LPS phase), was close to 45% for all alloys but the volume fraction of LPS phase particles was increased as the Y/CeMM was raised. The strength and ductility of the alloys were increased with increasing the volume fraction of LPS phase because this phase assumed the stress released from cracking of Mg12RE particles during plastic flow. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.