Precipitation response of the magnesium alloy WE43 in strained and unstrained conditions

The precipitation behavior of the magnesium alloy WE43 (Mg-4%Y-2.3%Nd-0.5%Zr) has been studied in strained and unstrained conditions using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Ageing treatments were carried out at three temperatures, namely 210 °C, 230 °C and 260 °C. The precipitation sequence during static aging of solution treated (ST) samples has been identified as ST → β″ → β′ followed by the formation of β1 and equilibrium β precipitates form after very long ageing periods. Dynamic precipitation was observed during high temperature deformation, leading to the formation of β′ and intermediate β1 precipitates. The strained samples, when further heat treated, resulted in the transformation of β1 into β equilibrium precipitates. The sequence of dynamic precipitation is ST → β1 → β and ST → β′.