Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-3.0Nd-0.4Zn-0.4Zr magnesium alloy

Mg-3.0Nd-0.4Zn-0.4Zr magnesium alloy were prepared by cast-extruding and chip-extruding.Microstructure,tensile and creep properties of the alloy were investigated.The results show that the alloy exhibit particle dynamic recrystallization during extrusion.The cast extruded-T6 rods at room temperature have a highest tensile strength of 258.5 MPa and a highest yield strength of 135.7 MPa.With the increase of test temperature,the strength of the alloy declines and the elongation increases.At 473 K,creep strain in the primary creep stage increases with increasing the creep stresses.Under 110 MPa,time spent during primary creep decreases with increasing the test temperatures.Stress exponent and creep activation energy of the alloy are 4.4 and 104 kJ/mol,respectively.Creep of the alloy can be controlled by dislocation climb mechanism.The morphology of the fracture surfaces was examined by employing scanning electron microscope.