Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of magnesium alloys containing long period stacking ordered phase

Magnesium alloys containing rare earth (RE) in conjunction with other alloying elements, such as Zn, have drawn increasing interest due to their high strength, high ductility and high creep-resistance with the existence of long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase. Although the LPSO phase has been studied over a decade, the question remains how it impacts the mechanical properties of Mg-RE-X alloys, where X represents a metallic element with its atomic radius smaller than Mg. This paper provides a tutorial review of the current status on the role of LPSO phase in manipulating the mechanical properties in Mg-RE-X based alloys, where some outstanding issues are also highlighted and discussed.