Characterisation of Mg–Li alloy processed by solution treatment and large strain rolling

Abstract

The effects of solution treatment and large strain rolling (LSR) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–10.73Li–4.49Al–0.52Y alloy were investigated. Results showed that after solution treatment, α-phase and AlLi phase were dissolved into β matrix, which led to the increase of strength. With the increased temperature of LSR, new phase MgLi₂Al (θ-phase) and AlLi phase precipitated from the matrix in turns. The Mg–Li alloy rolled at 623 K with 75% reduction showed the ultimate tensile strength of 328 MPa, which was more superior to many other Mg–Li alloys. The excellent strength could be explained by the mechanisms of solution strengthening and fine grain strengthening.

Keywords:

• Mg–Li alloy
• Solution treatment
• Large strain rolling

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Guangzhou Science and Technology Development Program [grant no. 2009Z2-D811].