The application of Al–Ti–B preform in Al-free Mg–Zn alloy via the yttrium addition

For the application of the Al–Ti–B system in Al-free Mg alloys, yttrium was selected and its effect on microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of Mg–6Zn/TiB2p composite was studied. The results indicate that the addition of Y could transform the extra Al (which is the by-product of the Al–Ti–B SHS reaction) into Al2Y and Al11Y3 phases, and then refined the as-homogenized microstructure of the Mg–6Zn/TiB2p composite. The Al2Y and Al11Y3 particles, as well as the TiB2 particles, effectively stimulate the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization during the cross-rolling, which contribute to the grain refinement and the formation of a weak double peak texture. That results in the comprehensive improvement of the mechanical properties.