Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Long Period Stacking Ordered Mg96Gd3Ni1 Alloy with Al and Sr Additions

The effects of 0.3 at. pct Al and x at. pct Sr (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg96Gd3Ni1 alloy were investigated. With addition of 0.3 at. pct Al, new quaternary Mg-Gd-Ni-Al phases with peculiar rod-like and petal-like morphologies are uniformly distributed in the alloy. The angles between petals of the petal-like phase are all about 60 deg. The microstructure of the alloy is refined, leading to fine grain strengthening. The volume fraction of the long-period stacking ordered phase which is excellent reinforcement phase of Mg alloys increases significantly. Moreover, combined addition of 0.3 at. pct Al and 0.1 at. pct Sr refines the microstructure further and enhances the mechanical properties of the alloy simultaneously.