A new high-strength Mg-Zn-Ce-Y-Zr magnesium alloy

A new high-strength Mg-5Zn-1Ce-0.5Y-0.6Zr (wt%) magnesium alloy with low rare-earth content was developed by extrusion and direct aging. The peak-aged sample exhibited a yield strength of 407 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 421 MPa. The yield strength of this alloy was much higher than those of several Mg-Gd-Y alloys to which large amounts of rare-earth metals were added. The high strength of the alloy was closely related to the combined contributions of ultra-fine dynamically recrystallized grains (about 1 μm diameter), numerous nanoscale precipitates, and a strong basal texture.