Chemical composition optimization of gravity cast Mg–yNd–xZn–Zr alloy

The microstructure and mechanical properties of gravity cast Mg–2.75Nd–xZn–Zr (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 wt.%) and Mg–yNd–0.2Zn–Zr (y = 1.25, 1.75, 2.25, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25 wt.%) alloys in as-cast, solution-treated and 200 °C peak-aged conditions were investigated at room temperature. The effect of Zn and Nd addition on microstructure and mechanical properties in different thermal conditions were discussed in Mg–2.75Nd–xZn–Zr alloys and Mg–yNd–0.2Zn–Zr alloys, respectively. When Zn addition was 0.2 wt.% and Nd addition was 3.0 wt.%, the alloy revealed the best combination of strength and elongation and was chosen as optimal chemical composition.