Microstructure, mechanical properties and yield asymmetry of Mg–4Al–2Sn–xY alloys

ABSTRACT

The effect of 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 wt-% Y addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded Mg–4Al–2Sn alloys were investigated. The results show that α-Mg, Mg₁₇Al₁₂, Mg₂Sn and Al₂Y phases form in the extruded Y-containing alloys. Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase, containing trace amounts of Y, tends to distribute on the grain boundaries in the form of needles. When the Y content is 0.6 wt-%, the alloy has the best combination mechanical properties. Its tensile yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and tensile elongation are 172 MPa, 270 MPa and 11.2%, respectively. As the Y content increases, the tensile and compressive asymmetries in the Mg–4Al–2Sn–xY alloy decrease, due to grain refinement and the weakening of texture.

KEYWORDS:

• Magnesium alloys
• microstructure
• yield asymmetry
• mechanical properties
• Y addition

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are grateful for the financial support of the National Key Research and Development Programme of China (No. 2016YFB0301102) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 106112016CDJXZ138811).