Enhanced age hardening in a Mg–2.4 at.% Zn alloy by trace additions of Ag and Ca

The effect of adding trace amounts of Ag and Ag in combination with Ca (0.1 at.% each) to a Mg–2.4 at.% Zn alloy has been found to enhance the age hardening response substantially. Transmission electron microscopy observations showed a significant refinement of the precipitate particles, while the morphology and the crystal structure of the precipitates remained the same at the peak hardness condition.