Influence of yttrium on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-5Li-3Al-2Zn alloy

The influence of Y on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-5Li-3Al-2Zn alloy was investigated. The results show that the phase compositions of Mg-5Li-3Al-2Zn consist of alpha-Mg and AlLi phases. Adding Y to the alloy results in the formation of Al2Y compound and facilitates grain refinement. The addition of 0.8 wt.% Y produces the smallest grain size. The tensile tests performed at room temperature show that the additions of Y can improve the mechanical properties of the alloy; the tensile strength and ductility reach peak values when the Y additions are 0.8 wt.% and 1.2 wt.%, respectively. The mechanisms of improvement are related to grain refinement and compound strengthening effects. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B. V.