Release Time:2019-03-09  Hits:

Indexed by: Journal Article

Date of Publication: 2010-08-01

Journal: RARE METALS

Included Journals: EI、SCIE

Volume: 29

Issue: 4

Page Number: 339-345

ISSN: 1001-0521

Key Words: AZ31 magnesium alloy; microstructure; mechanical properties; erbium

Abstract: The effects of small amounts of the rare-earth element erbium on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy via the electromagnetic stirring (EMS) process have been studied. It has been shown that AZ31-Er alloys are mainly composed of alpha-Mg solid solution and beta-Mg(17)Al(12) phases. When the Er content reaches 0.12 wt.%, the characteristic peaks of Al(2)Er can be observed. The microstructure is obviously refined and the tensile strength of the AZ31-based alloy at ambient temperature is significantly improved by contents of 0.03 wt.% Er, especially the elongation (delta = 19%). More addition of Er obviously decreases the tensile strength and elongation of the AZ31-based alloy because of the grain coarsening and the reduction of beta-Mg(17)Al(12) phases.