Characterization of strengthening precipitate phases in a Mg–Zn alloy

Strengthening precipitate phases in a Mg–8 wt.% Zn alloy, aged isothermally at 200 °C, have been characterized using transmission electron microscopy and electron microdiffraction. Precipitation at 200 °C involves formation of β1′ and β2′ transition phases. Contrary to previous studies, the β1′ phase is found to have a monoclinic structure similar to that of Mg4Zn7. The β2′ phase is confirmed to have a hexagonal structure similar to that of MgZn2.