Microstructure evolution during heat treatment and mechanical properties of Mg–2.49Nd–1.82Gd–0.19Zn–0.4Zr cast alloy

Microstructure evolution during heat treatment and mechanical properties of Mg–2.49Nd–1.82Gd–0.19Zn–0.4Zr cast alloy were investigated experimentally in different stages of heat treatment process. As-cast alloy was found to be consisting of dendritic α(Mg) grains, interdendritic α(Mg)+Mg12Nd eutectic. Within α(Mg) grains, needle-like Mg12Nd phase, quadrate-like Mg5Gd phase and α(Zr) particles were also observed. After a solution treatment at 515°C for 18h, α(Mg)+Mg12Nd eutectic was almost dissolved into α(Mg) grain, but a new Zn2Zr3 phase was observed within α(Mg) grains and along grain boundaries. After an aged treatment at 205°C for 18h, more dispersed interdendritic Mg12Nd precipitates, coarsened Zn2Zr3 and rod-shaped metastable precipitates of β″(Mg3Nd) and β′(Mg7Nd) were observed within α(Mg) grains. The ultimate tensile strength and the yield strength of the experimental alloy after the aged treatment were measured to be 287MPa and 206MPa at room temperature, 240MPa and 175MPa at 200°C, and 220MPa and 165MPa at 250°C, respectively. The improved mechanical properties were also discussed based on the observed microstructure evolution. •Mg–2.49Nd–1.82Gd–0.19Zn–0.4Zr alloy was cast by sand mold.•Microstructure evolution during heat treatment was investigated.•Excellent mechanical properties were achieved, which were notably higher than those of commercial ZM6 cast alloy.