Effect of gadolinium on microstructure and rolling capability of AZ31 alloy

AZ31–x gadolinium (Gd) magnesium alloys were studied and the influence of Gd on the microstructure and rolling capability of AZ31 alloy were investigated in this paper. The results indicate that the grains of AZ31 alloy are refined with Gd addition. Gd addition results in the formation of Al2Gd. After homogenization, Al2Gd still exists and it plays an important role in improving the rolling capability of alloys. The rolling capability of AZ31 alloy is improved obviously with Gd addition. After Gd was added, the homogenization time shorten more than half, with better rollability. However, once Gd content increases to a certain value, the rolling capability of AZ31 will decline.