Thermodynamic modeling of the Mg–Ce–Gd–Y system

An overview is given on ternary phase diagram data involving magnesium with different rare earths (RE), including the Mg–Y–RE systems. An original thermodynamic description of quaternary Mg–Ce–Gd–Y alloys including the ternary subsystems is developed. Similarities and differences of the phase relations involving magnesium with different RE elements and yttrium are highlighted. The relevance for the impact of different components in mischmetal on the properties of Mg–RE alloys is emphasized.