Effects of Nd/Gd value on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Nd-Zr alloys

Four Mg–Gd–Y–Nd–Zr alloys were prepared by mold casting to investigate the effects of Nd/Gd ratios on microstructures and mechanical properties.The as-cast alloys mainly consist ofα-Mg andβ-Mg5(GdYNd).Volume fractions of the second phase increase and grains were slightly refined with the rising Nd/Gd ratio,when the alloying addition is equal.Meanwhile,fibers of second phase also increase in the extruded alloys when the Nd/Gd value increases.However,the Nd/Gd ratio could hardly influence the mechanical properties of the extruded alloys.The aging hardening response of the extruded alloy differs due to different Nd/Gd ratios.The potential mechanisms have also been discussed in detail.