Evolution of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Mg-Gd Alloy during Rolling with Inter-Pass Annealing
摘要
Mg-Gd-Y alloys are representative high-strength, heat-resistant and age-hardenable Mg alloys. In this study, the effects of rolling direction, roll offset and subsequent aging treatment on the rolling formability, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of a Mg-7Gd-4Y-1Nd-0.5Zr alloy were systematically investigated. The results show that unidirectional rolling combined with inter-pass annealing provides the alloy with better formability than reverse rolling. The as-rolled unidirectional alloy without an offset strain presents outstanding strength–ductility synergy, with an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 411 MPa, yield strength (YS) of 295 MPa and elongation of 3.0%. After peak aging treatment, its strength is significantly improved to UTS of 478 MPa and YS of 308 MPa, while good ductility is well retained. Abundant deformation twins and RE-rich particles are observed in all rolled alloys, and aging treatment has little influence on grain morphology and twin characteristics due to the presence of nanoscale solute clusters or fine precipitates at or near grain and twin boundaries.