Effect of Zn Content on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of MgZnYLaMM Alloys

The effect of Zn content on microstructure, existing phases, and mechanical properties of rapidly solidified MgZn _x Y₁LaMM₁Mn_0.5 alloys (X = 2, 3, 4 at. pct) has been investigated. To assess the microstructural characterization of nanocrystalline alloys, the study also includes microstructural characterization of the master alloys. The microstructure of the alloys in as-rapidly solidified condition consisted of supersaturated magnesium dendrites and fine (Mg,Zn)₁₇La₂ and W phase (Mg₃Y₂Zn₃) segregated at grain and cell boundaries. During continuous heating, the metastable solid solution in Mg dendrites breaks down, increasing the volume fraction of second-phase particles. After annealing for 1 hour at 673 K (400 °C), very small spherical Mn-rich precipitates appeared in the three alloys and a long-period stacking ordered (LPS) phase of rectangular morphology precipitated inside the Mg grains in the alloy with the lowest Zn content. The nanocrystalline nature of the ribbons accounts for the high hardness and yield stress values in as-rapidly solidified state, although both decrease with increasing zinc content. This fact has been related to a coarser microstructure and higher volume fraction of the W phase as the Zn content increases. The highest yield stress value of 350 MPa is attained by the MgZn₂Y₁LaMM₁ ribbon in as-rapidly solidified condition. A decrease in yield stress values (about 50 MPa) is observed for all ribbons when they are heated at 673 K (400 °C) for 1 hour.