Compression properties at different loading directions of as-extruded Mg–9RY–4Zn (RY: Y-rich misch metal) alloy with long period stacking ordered phase

• The compression properties of as-extruded Mg–9RY–4Zn alloy are investigated.
• The as-extruded Mg–9RY–4Zn alloy exhibits excellent compression properties.
• The excellent compression properties result from the LPSO strips and random oriented DRX grains with LPSO lamellae.
• The as-extruded Mg–9RY–4Zn alloy exhibits obvious mechanical anisotropy.
• LPSO long strips play an important role in influencing the mechanical anisotropy.

The compression properties at different loading directions of as-extruded Mg–9RY–4Zn alloy with long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase were investigated. The compressive yield strength (σ0.2), ultimate compressive strength (σ) and elongation to failure (ε) are 272 MPa, 520 MPa and 19% at ED, 172 MPa, 412 MPa and 17% at TD, and 150 MPa, 370 MPa and 16% at 45° orientation, respectively. The excellent compression properties result from the 14H LPSO strips and random oriented DRX grains with 14H LPSO lamellae. Meanwhile, the as-extruded Mg–9RY–4Zn alloy exhibits obvious mechanical anisotropy. The strength at ED is much higher than that at 45° orientation. Specific to the present alloy, besides the weak basal texture, it is considered that the LPSO long strips with characteristic orientation play an important role in influencing the mechanical anisotropy.