Effect of ultrasonic vibration on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg98Y1.0Ni0.5Al0.5 alloy containing LPSO structure

The LPSO structure reinforced magnesium alloy with low Y and Ni contents can achieve the best balance between performance and cost. To further improve the comprehensive mechanical properties, doping with Al element and ultrasonic vibration treatment are feasible approaches. The microstructure of low Y and Ni containing Mg98Y1.0Ni0.5Al0.5 alloy with Al addition and the effect of ultrasonic vibration on the microstructure and mechanical properties were studied by SEM-EDS, TEM, XRD and nano-indentation. Doping Al into the alloy decreases the amount of LPSO structure, and Al2NiY phases with radial morphology precipitate near the block LPSO structure. The Al2NiY phase is non-coherent with LPSO structure and Mg matrix at the phase interfaces. The Al2NiY phase can be effectively modified into short flakes and distributed uniformly in the matrix with ultrasonic vibration treatment. The mechanical properties of Mg98Y1.0Ni0.5Al0.5 alloy are improved by reducing the generation of microcracks and preventing their propagation. Compared with Mg98Ni0.5Y1.0Al0.5 alloy without ultrasonic vibration treatment, the ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the alloy with ultrasonic vibration treatment are improved to 187 MPa and 7.9%, with increments of 21.4% and 105.7%, respectively.

Automated summary

The comprehensive mechanical properties of a low Y and Ni containing magnesium alloy can be further improved by doping with Al element and ultrasonic vibration treatment. Doping Al into the alloy reduces the amount of LPSO structure and precipitates Al2NiY phases near the block LPSO structure. Ultrasonic vibration treatment modifies the Al2NiY phase into short flakes and distributes them uniformly in the matrix.