Papers by Author: Li Min Wang

Abstract: In present work, the Mg−Gd−Nd−Y−Zn alloy sheets were prepared by hot extrusion technique. The microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of the extruded alloy were investigated. After hot extrusion, the alloy reveals a greatly refined microstructure due to the dynamic recrystallization. The coarse eutectic phases were crushed into small particles during extrusion process, which brings a promotion of grain refinement. A weak basal fiber texture was obtained in the as-extruded alloy owing to the influence of RE (rare earth) alloying elements. The as-extruded alloy exhibits mechanical anisotropy that the strengths and elongations in the extrusion direction are both higher than those in the transverse direction. And this behavior does not change with increasing temperature. It results from the weak texture and the distribution of eutectic phase particles in the alloy sheet. Through isothermal aging treatment, significant strengthening is achieved in the peak-aged alloy, and the mechanical anisotropy still exists.

Abstract: The discovery of the icosahedral quasicrystalline phase (i-phase) in as-cast Ti_40.83Zr_40.83-xSc_xNi_18.34 (x = 0~2.0) alloys is described herein. The effect of Sc on the structure and mechanical properties of the bulk quasicrystalline alloys is investigated. The results show that the phase structure of the as-cast alloys are mainly composed of icosahedral phase accompanied by minor C14 Laves phase (L-phase), and the mechanical properties of the bulk quasicrystalline alloys have been examined at room temperature, the compressive fracture strength first increased and then decreased with increasing x from 0.4 to 2.0, and the highest strength is near 1400 MPa when x =1.2, it was 380 MPa higher than the without Sc alloy. The bulk quasicrystalline alloy exhibits the elastic deformation by the compressive test, and the fracture mode was brittle cleavage fracture.

Abstract: Ni–SiC nanocomposite coatings with reinforcing SiC nano-particulates were prepared by electrodeposition on MB8 wrought magnesium alloys. The microstructure, chemical compositions, hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of resulting composites were investigated respectively. This article details the state of the art in coating technologies, applied to magnesium based substrates for improved corrosion and wear resistance.The experimental results show that, uniform and compact coatings with good corrosion resistance can be obtained on MB8 wrought magnesium alloys. The wear resistance of the coatings were observed to be superior to hard chromium coatings.

Abstract: Mg-1Zn-0.5Ca alloy was prepared by casting technology. The as-cast alloy was solution treated at 470°C for 24 h and aged at 175°C for 0-50 h. The microstructure, mechanical properties and electrochemical corrosion behavior of the alloys were investigated. The results showed that the average grain size of the as-cast alloy was 120-150 μm, and the precipitated phases were distributed uniformly in α-Mg grain. The as-cast alloy showed good mechanical properties. The tensile strength was 186 MPa, and ductility was 23%. A typical age softening responses was obtained during the aging treatment. In the electrochemical corrosion tests, corrosion of the alloys is improved in Hank’s solution and 3.5wt% NaCl solution after the solution and aged treatment. However, the aged treated alloys showed the better electrochemical corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Mg-5Y-3Nd-Zr-xGd (x=0 and 4 wt.%) alloys were prepared by metal mould casting, and aging behavior, mechanical properties and fracture morphology were investigated. The result shows that after T6 treatment, the massive eutectic phase in as-cast alloys dissolved and finer Mg5RE phase precipitated dispersively in the matrix, and mechanical properties were improved simultaneously. Mg-5Y-3Nd-4Gd-Zr alloy exhibits good age hardening behavior and the peak hardness is about 20% higher than the Gd-free alloy. Gd addition can significantly improve mechanical properties of the alloy especially at the elevated temperature. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of Mg-5Y-3Nd-4Gd-Zr alloy at 250°C, with the value of 276 and 168 MPa, respectively, are over 20% higher than those of the Gd-free alloy. It is mainly attributed to the increase and homogeneous distribution of the fine heat-resistant Mg5RE precipitate in the matrix.

Abstract: The influences of hot forging and ageing treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg−8Gd−2Y−1Nd−0.3Zn−0.6Zr (wt.%) alloy have been investigated. The results showed that the grains were significantly refined after hot forging. And the secondary phases in this alloy i.e. Mg₅(Gd_1-x-yNd_xY_y) and Mg₂₄(Y_1-x-yGd_xNd_y)₅ phases were fragmented to small particles due to the large strain during hot forging. Tensile tests revealed that mechanical properties were improved due to grain size refinement. Moreover, the as-forged alloy exhibited remarkable age-hardening response and mechanical properties were further improved by ageing treatment. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the peak-aged (T5) alloy are 286 MPa, 245 MPa and 5.6 % at room temperature, and 211 MPa, 103 MPa and 19.4 % at 300°C, respectively.

Abstract: The lightest density of Mg has stimulated renewed interest in Mg based alloys for applications in the automotive, aerospace and communications industries. However, Mg in the pure form has relatively low strength, limited ductility and is susceptible to corrosion. Great efforts have been made to improve the mechanical properties of Mg alloys. Alloying Mg with other elements is one of the most important methods. An important class of Mg alloys is the Mg-Zn-RE system (RE = rare earth elements). In recent few decades, a series of new Mg-Zn-RE system alloys have been obtained, and detailed the structure and mechanical properties of the alloys. In this paper, the structure and mechanical properties of the Mg-Zn-RE alloys have been summarized. It showed that these alloys have high strength and they are prospected to be widely used in the future.

Abstract: The Mg-8Zn-8Al-4RE (RE = mischmetal, mass%) magnesium alloy was prepared by using casting method. The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast alloy, solid solution alloy and aged alloy samples have been investigated. Optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometery and scanning electron microscope attached energy spectrometer were used to characterize the microstructure and phase composition for the alloy. Net shaped τ-Mg32(Al,Zn)49 phase was obtained at the grain boundary, and needle-like or blocky Al11RE3 phase disperses in grain boundary and α-Mg matrix. The τ-Mg32(Al,Zn)49 phase disappeared during solution treatment and a new phase of Al2CeZn2 formed during subsequent age treatment. The mechanical properties were performed by universal testing machine at room temperature, 150 °C and 200 °C, separately. The ultimate tensile strength of as-cast alloy is lower compared to an age treatment alloy at 200 °C for 12h. The strengths decreased with enhancing test temperature, but elongation has not been effect by age treatment.

Abstract: Magnesium (Mg) alloys are becoming one of the key engineering materials for aerospace and automotive industries because of their low density, high specific strength, excellent machinability and good diecastability, etc. In the meantime, conventional Mg alloys are limited for their low strength and creep resistance. Therefore, special attention is given on its applications at high temperature such as the transmission case and the engine block, In the near decades, much effort have been devoted to improving the properties such as strength, ductility, creep resistance of Mg alloys by adding rare earth (RE) elements, and it has been certified that the addition of RE do improve the performances of the Mg alloys. In this paper, we will review the progresses in the investigations of the Mg-RE alloys as a structural material, and also propose its application prospect in future.