Microstructure/Property Relationships in Two Magnesium-Rare Earth Alloys

Abstract

The new generation of zirconium-refined magnesium-rare earth alloys have assumed considerable commercial importance because of their light weight, high specific strength, good castability, excellent dam** resistance, corrosion resistance similar to or better than many aluminium alloys and high resistance to creep deformation up to a temperature of 300 °C. Two such alloys are WE43 (4 wt% yttrium, 3 wt% neodymium plus other heavy rare earths (HRE), 0.4 wt% zirconium) and WE54 (5.25 wt% yttrium, 3.5 wt% neodymium plus other HRE, 0.4 wt% zirconium). The alloys can be produced in the cast or wrought condition and heat treated (T6 condition, solution treated for 8h at 525 °C warm water quenched and aged at 250 °C for 16h) to obtain optimum properties.