High-pressure synthesis of a nanoscale YB12 strengthening precipitate in Mg–Y alloys

A YB12 strengthening precipitate of ∼9 nm is reported for the first time in a Mg–7 wt.% Y alloy after high-pressure boriding processing. The formation of nanoscale YB12 particles with a high melting point improves the strength of the Mg–Y alloy significantly and this is coupled with its thermal stability. In addition, the age-hardening response is weakened because of the decrease in yttrium supersaturation in the Mg matrix.