Effects of heat treatments on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg-3Nd-0.2Zn-0.4Zr (wt.%) alloy

Microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast and different heat treated Mg-3Nd-0.2Zn-0.4Zr (wt.%) (NZ30K) alloys were investigated. The as-cast alloy was comprised of α magnesium matrix and Mg12Nd eutectic compounds. After solution treatment at 540 °C for 6 h, the eutectic compounds dissolved into the matrix and small Zr-containing particles precipitated at grain interiors. Further aging at low temperatures led to plate-shaped metastable precipitates, which strengthened the alloy. Peak-aged at 200 °C for 10-16 h, fine β″ particles with DO19 structure was the dominant strengthening phase. The alloy had ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation of 300-305 MPa and 11%, respectively. Aged at 250 °C for 10 h, coarse β′ particles with fcc structure was the dominant strengthening phase. The alloy showed UTS and elongation of 265 MPa and 20%, respectively. Yield strengths (YS) of these two aged conditions were in the same level, about 140 MPa. Precipitation strengthening was the largest contributor (about 60%) to the strength in these two aged conditions. The hardness of aged NZ30K alloy seemed to correspond to UTS not YS.