Atom probe characterization of plate-like precipitates in a Mg-RE-Zn-Zr casting alloy

This paper demonstrates that the three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) is capable of characterizing nanoscale precipitates in magnesium alloys. Combined application of 3DAP and transmission electron microscopy reveals that the major precipitate phase in a Mg-2.4wt.%RE-0.4wt.%Zn-0.6wt.%Zr alloy has an ordered G.P. zone structure and a composition of approximately 3.2 at.% Nd, 1.0 at.% Ce and 1.2 at.% Zn. (C) 2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.