Microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded Mg-6Zn-xEr alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties of the Mg-6Zn-xEr alloys in the as-cast, as-extruded and extruded-T5 states were investigated. It is found that the addition of Er has an obvious effect on improving mechanical properties of Mg-6Zn based alloys. The results suggest that the Mg-6Zn-0.5Er alloy in the peak aged state shows the best tensile strength. The ultimate tensile strength and the yield tensile strength of the peak-aged Mg-6Zn-0.5Er alloy are about 329 MPa and 183 MPa, respectively, companying with a good elongation of 12%. The addition of 0.5% Er into the Mg-6Zn based alloys has a great effect on improving ageing hardening response. The highest tensile strength of the peak-aged Mg-6Zn-0.5Er alloy is mainly due to the refinement of microstructure and the precipitation of β1 phase.