Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–5Li–3Al–2Zn–xRE alloys

Mg–5Li–3Al–2Zn– x RE alloys were prepared. The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast and wrought specimens were studied. RE elements in Mg–5Li–3Al–2Zn alloy cause the microstructure refinement and the formation of Al 3 La, which bring about the improvement of mechanical properties of alloys. The optimal RE content for Mg–5Li–3Al–2Zn alloy is 2 wt%, which makes the microstructure the finest and the mechanical properties the best. The further increase of RE content makes the microstructure be coarsened and the morphology of Al 3 La change from particular to rod-like and pearlite-like eutectic shape, leading to the poor mechanical properties of alloys.