Evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-xCe-0.5Zn alloys by nano-indentation

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-xCe-0.5Zn (x=0.5, 1.5, 2.5, molar fraction, %) alloys were examined using a nano-indentation technique. The alloys were fabricated using a vacuum induction melting method under an argon atmosphere. The microstructures of Mg-xCe-0.5Zn alloys mainly consist of α-Mg and eutectic Mg12Ce phase. The volume fraction and size of the eutectic Mg12Ce phase increase with increasing Ce contents. Nano-indentation test results show that the indentation hardness and elastic modulus of the eutectic Mg12Ce phase are higher than those of the α-Mg matrix. In addition, the mean indentation hardness and elastic modulus of the Mg-xCe-0.5Zn alloys increase with the Ce addition amount increasing.