Multi-solute solid solution behavior and its effect on the properties of magnesium alloys

The low-density magnesium(Mg)alloys are attractive for the application in aerospace,transportation and other weight-saving-required fields.The mechanical properties and corrosion properties of Mg alloys are the key-property issues for the wide application.It is surprising to find that the solid solution of alloying elements in theα-Mg phase can have multi-effects on the properties of Mg alloys,e.g.,solid solution strengthening,solid solution corrosion-resistance-enhancing,etc.Additionally,the alloy design theory of"solid solution strengthening and ductilizing"proposed by Pan and co-workers has attracted extensive attentions.It is promising that by selected proper multi-alloying-elements(with optimal ratio)solid solutioned in theα-Mg phase,the comprehensive properties of Mg alloys can be synergistically improved.In this work,the solid solution behavior of Mg alloys and the followed solid solution property-enhancing effects were reviewed.The mechanisms proposed recently by researchers for these solid solution property-enhancing behaviors were presented,and the related calculations and predictions were also described.It is shown the demonstrations of the fundamentals for the solid solution property-enhancing of Mg alloys,especially from the atomic inter-reaction aspects,still require elaborated characterization work and calculation work.Additionally,it could be expected that the multi-solute in Mg alloys can bring many possibilities,or,in another saying,"cocktail effects".With understanding the multi-solute interaction behavior and the corresponded solid solution property-enhancing effects,the good balanced high-performance Mg alloys can be developed.