Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg-Ge binary magnesium alloys

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg-Ge binary alloys (G1, 0.5 wt-%; G2, 1.0 wt-%; G3, 1.5 wt-%; G4, 2.0 wt-%; G5, 2.5 wt-% and G6, 3.5 wt-%) were investigated. The results show that the microstructures of Mg-Ge binary alloys consist of two components: alpha-Mg dendrites and rod eutectic of (alpha-MgzMg(2)Ge) in which the rod shaped precipitates are the intermetallic compound Mg2Ge phase with the orientation relationship [3 1 0](Mg2Ge)//[0 0 0 1](alpha-Mg) and ( - 1 3 - 1) Mg2Ge/13.51 degrees/(0 -1 1 0)(alpha-Mg). The grain size of alpha-Mg dendrites is refined effectively in alloys. The solidification behaviour of Mg-Ge binary alloys is analysed. The tensile tests indicated that the ultimate tensile strengths of Mg-Ge binary alloys are enhanced while the elongations are reduced.