Effect of La and Nd on microstructures and mechanical properties of AZ61 wrought magnesium alloy

Effects of La and Nd addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the AZ61 alloy have been investigated. The results show that when La and Nd are added into the AZ61 alloy respectively, the β (Mg 17 Al 12 ) phase is refined and granulated, and new phases are formed in the form of small rod like shape, which are verified as La 3 Al 11 and Nd 3Al 11 phase by X ray diffraction and TEM observation. Microstructure observations show that the effective efficiency of La addition is higher than that of Nd addition, thus the sizes of β (Mg 17 Al 12 ) and La 3 Al 11 phase are relatively smaller than those of β (Mg 17 Al 12 ) and Nd 3Al 11 phases in both AZ61 alloy and Nd containing alloy. The increase of the tensile strength and elongation of AZ61 alloy refers to the existence of small rod like La 3 Al 11 and Nd 3Al 11 phases, and fine granulated β (Mg 17 Al 12 ) phase.