Microstructure and mechanical properties of rolled sheets of Mg–Gd–Y–Zn–Zr alloy: As-cast versus as-homogenized

In this research, the as-cast and as-homogenized Mg–8.2Gd–3.8Y–1.0Zn–0.4Zr alloy were subjected to the hot rolling with the same processing parameters. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the two kinds of as-rolled sheets were investigated. The sheet rolled from the as-cast alloy was mainly composed of recrystallized α-Mg grains surrounded by Mg3(Gd,Y) eutectic compounds. While the sheet rolled from the as-homogenized alloy was composed of large deformed grains with long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase inside and fewer recrystallized α-Mg grains, and exhibited higher strength due to the deformed grains with stronger basal texture and larger volume fraction of long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase.

► As-cast and as-homo Mg–RE alloy were hot rolled with same processing parameters.
► As-cast alloy after rolling was composed of DRX grains and eutectic compounds.
► As-homo alloy after rolling was composed of worked grains with LPSO and DRX grains.
► As-cast alloy after rolling shows weaker texture and poor property than as-homo.