Some new characteristics of the strengthening phase in β-phase magnesium-lithium alloys containing aluminum and beryllium

Hardness. optical-raicroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies on the strengthening phase in P-phase magnesium-lithium alloys containing different content of aluminum were carried out to give some new characteristics of the strengthening phase affecting lattice distortion and alpha-ma precipitation in the beta-matrix. In the presence of the strengthening-phase precipitates, the matrix lattice undergoes substantial strain characterized by peak broadening. The peak width in the beta-matrix phase pattern can provide an indication of lattice strain caused by the strengthening-phase precipitates. The origin of alpha-Mg precipitation resulting from the decomposition of the strengthening phase into stable AlLi compound is also explained in the present work. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.