Microstructure and mechanical property of Mg–2.0Ga alloys

Four alloying principles of magnesium alloys are reported and Mg–2.0 (at.%) Ga alloys are investigated. The results show that microstructure of solution treatment Mg–2.0Ga alloy consists of α-Mg dissolved Ga element and intermetallic compound Mg5Ga2 distributed discontinuously at grain boundary. After aging for 128h a quantity of tiny Mg5Ga2 precipitates with Ø50nm present homogenously in α-Mg of which the crystal parameters (especial c/a) is lower than those in pure Mg. And tiny α-Mg grains with 100nm are observed in Mg–2.0Ga alloy aged for 128h. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of Mg–2.0Ga alloys aged for 0.5h and 128h are 180.939MPa and 196.85MPa, 107.405MPa and 150.898MPa, and 8.19815% and 4.69937%, respectively. The results show that the principles are effective.