Mechanical Properties of Mg–Dy–Sm–Zr Magnesium Alloys

Abstract

The mechanical properties of as-cast Mg–Dy–Sm alloys additionally alloyed with zirconium to refine grains in the as-cast state have been studied. The dysprosium and samarium contents are close to their mutual solubility in a magnesium-based solid solution at a homogenization temperature of 515°C, and their total content is 4–12 wt %. The mechanical properties of the alloys have been determined in the states homogenized after casting and aged after homogenization. It is found that the strength properties of the alloys increase to σ_u ≈ 290 MPa and the plasticity decreases to lower values at a relative elongation δ ≈ 3% as the total content of the rare-earth metals in the alloy increases. The Mg–Dy–Sm–Zr alloys are significantly hardened upon aging, and the age hardening effect increases with the rare-earth metal content in them.