Unveiling precipitation behavior in Mg-Y based alloys

Authors

Qingchun Zhu, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Yangxin Li, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Zhigang Ding, Nanjing University of Science and Technology
Jian Wang, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Yuxuan Liu, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Huan Zhang, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Tian Xie, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Mingxu Wang, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Hong Zhu, University of Michigan- Shanghai Jiao Tong University joint Institute
Tao Ying, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Wei Liu, Nanjing University of Science and Technology
Xiaoquin Zeng, Shanghai Jiaotong University

Date of this Version

2-2021

Citation

CC OA

Abstract

Mg-Y based alloys exhibit a promising combination of strength and deformability through tuning precipitation and solute strengthening mechanisms and tailoring the activity of non-basal dislocations. Understanding the precipitation sequence of Mg-Y based alloys and its dependence on Yttrium concentration in the matrix will provide a guideline for fine tuning structure, morphology and distribution of precipitates in Mg-Y based alloys. In this paper, we explore the precipitation behaviors of Mg-11Y (wt%) and Mg-11Y-1Al (wt%) alloys using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, and rationalize the experimental observations based on first-principles density functional theory calculations. The precipitation sequence during ageing at 225 °C is identified to be SSSS → clusters/G.P. Zones →β′ (Mg₇Y) → β′′/βt′′ (Mg₃Y). A novel βt′′ phase forms through in-situ transformation from the β′ phase, which shares the same Mg3Y composition with D0₁₉-β′′ phase and exhibits the same cbco-structure as β′ phase in Mg-Y based alloys.