Remarkably enhanced mechanical properties of Mg-8Gd-1Er-0.5Zr alloy on the route of extrusion, rolling and aging

The remarkably enhanced mechanical performance of Mg-8Gd-1Er-0.5Zr alloy with lower rare-earth content was achieved on the route of extrusion, rolling and aging processes in the present investigation. Results indicated that the ultrahigh UTS of 560 MPa and YTS of 518 MPa as well as elongation of 4.8% at ambient temperature were obtained. The β phase with size of 100-200 nm was precipitated during rolling in accompany with refined grains and strong basal texture, and the layer-structured precipitates with nanoscale were formed during aging. The fine β phase coordinating with strong basal texture as well as fine grain size controlled the mechanical performance of the rolled alloy, whereas the layer-structured precipitates contributed to the remarkably enhanced mechanical properties of the aged alloy.