Papers by Author: Xiu Li Hou

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: 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.