Characterisation of Mg-Li alloy processed by solution treatment and large strain rolling

The effects of solution treatment and large strain rolling (LSR) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-10.73Li-4.49Al-0.52Y alloy were investigated. Results showed that after solution treatment, alpha-phase and AlLi phase were dissolved into beta matrix, which led to the increase of strength. With the increased temperature of LSR, new phase MgLi2Al (h-phase) and AlLi phase precipitated from the matrix in turns. The Mg-Li alloy rolled at 623 K with 75% reduction showed the ultimate tensile strength of 328 MPa, which was more superior to many other Mg-Li alloys. The excellent strength could be explained by the mechanisms of solution strengthening and fine grain strengthening.