Effects of Al, Y, and Zn Additions on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg−3Li Alloy

The influence of Al, Y, and Zn additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg−3Li alloy is investigated. It is revealed that Al and Y form the Al 2 Y phase that can refine α‐Mg grains. Y and Zn form the 18R long‐period‐stacking‐ordered (LPSO) structure phase that can coordinate deformation. In addition, the formed SFs can hinder dislocation slip. However, the Mg 24 Y 5 phase weakens the grain boundaries. After solid solution at 520 °C, the Al 2 Y phase and LPSO phase do not change. The Mg 24 Y 5 phase gradually disappears, SFs decrease, and the grain of the alloy grows. After subsequent hot rolling at 350 °C, the grains and LPSO phase are gradually elongated along the rolling direction, and the LPSO phase is twisted. SFs increase and the grain of the alloy is refined. In addition, MgY phase is precipitated inside the matrix. With the rolling reduction of 70%, the Mg−3Li−1Al−4Y−1Zn alloy possesses the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation (EL) values of 287 MPa and 5.2%.