TEM and 3DAP characterization of an age-hardened Mg-Ca-Zn alloy

The precipitation process of an Mg-0.3Ca-0.3Zn (in at.%) alloy has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and the chemical compositions of the precipitates have been characterized by a three-dimensional atom probe. The reason for the pronounced precipitation hardening in the alloy compared to the Mg-0.3Ca alloy is discussed.