Self-patterning Gd nano-fibers in Mg-Gd alloys

Authors

Yangxin Li, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jian Wang, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kaiguo Chen, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, Sichuan
Meiyue Shao, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Yao Shen, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityFollow
Li Jin, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityFollow
Guo-zhen Zhu, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityFollow

Date of this Version

12-2016

Citation

Scientific Reports 6 (2016), 38537 (5+12 pp).
DOI: 10.1038/srep38537

Comments

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Supplementary material is included.

Abstract

Manipulating the shape and distribution of strengthening units, e.g. particles, fibers, and precipitates, in a bulk metal, has been a widely applied strategy of tailoring their mechanical properties. Here, we report self-assembled patterns of Gd nano-fibers in Mg-Gd alloys for the purpose of improving their strength and deformability. 1-nm Gd nano-fibers, with a 〈c〉-rod shape, are formed and hexagonally patterned in association with Gd segregations along dislocations that nucleated during hot extrusion. Such Gd-fiber patterns are able to regulate the relative activities of slips and twinning, as a result, overcome the inherent limitations in strength and ductility of Mg alloys. This nano-fiber patterning approach could be an effective method to engineer hexagonal metals.