Influence of Rare Earth Elements on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-Li Alloys

A series of a-based Mg-Li-A1-Zn-xRE alloys were prepared. These alloys have low density ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 g·cm^-3 and high strength properties. The influence of RE element on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of these alloys were studied. The results indicate that the addition of RE （La, Pr, Ce） leads to the formation of rodshaped intermetallic compound Al2Zn2La distributed in the matrix. Al2Zn2La induces reduction of the laminar spacing and causes refinement of the microstructure. Therefore, this compound improves the strength of alloys at a high temperature.

Micro-arc oxidation coatings on Mg-Li alloys

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) method was used for the surface modification of an Mg-5wt.%Li alloy. Ceramic coatings were in-situ fabricated on the Mg-Li alloy. The morphology feature,phase composition,and corrosion-resistance of the formed ceramic coatings were studied by SEM,XRD,and electrochemical methods,respectively. The results showed that the coatings produced in a sodium silicate solution system were composed of MgO and Mg2SiO4. The ceramic coating became thicker and the content of Mg2SiO4 phase increase...

Preparation of Mg-Li alloys by electrolysis in molten salt at low temperature

A new technology for preparation of low cost Mg-Li alloys was studied. The alloys were prepared by electrolysis in molten LiCl-KCl （weight ratio is 1：1） electrolyte with Mg rod severing as the consumed cathode. Main factors that affect current efficiency were investigated, and optimal electrolysis parameters were obtained. Mg-Li alloys with low lithium Content （about 25%） were prepared by the unique method of a higher post-thermal treatment temperature after electrolysis at low temperature. The results showed that the electrolysis can be carried out at low temperature, which resulted in reducing preparation cost due to energy saving. The new technology for the oreoaration of Mg-Li alloy by electrolysis in molten salt was laroved to be feasible.

A comparison of the microstructure-dependent corrosion of dual-structured Mg-Li alloys fabricated by powder consolidation methods:Laser powder bed fusion vs pulse plasma sintering

In this study, powder metallurgy methods were used to fabricate Mg-7.5Li-3Al-Zn alloys from repowdered extruded alloys. Extruded alloys were powdered using ultrasonic atomization, and then laser powder bed fusion(LPBF) and pulse plasma sintering(PPS) were used to consolidate the bulk materials. A comparison of the properties of the fabricated alloys with those of a conventionally extruded one was carried out using methods that characterized the microstructure and corrosion resistance. When compared to their conventionally extruded counterpart, LPBF and PPS materials exhibited refined microstructures with low enrichment in Al Li and coarse Al, Zn, Mn precipitates. The main drawback of the LPBF alloy, printed for the needs of this study, was its porosity, which had a negative effect on its corrosion. The presence of unrecrystallized particle boundaries in the PPS alloy was also unbeneficial with regard to corrosion. The advantage of the LPBF and PPS processes was the ability to change the proportion of α(Mg) to β(Li), which when the complete consolidation of the material is achievable, may increase the corrosion resistance of dual-structured Mg-Li alloys. The results show that powder metallurgy routes have a wide potential to be used for the manufacture of Mg-Li based alloys.

Electrochemical codeposition of typical α+β phases Mg-Li alloys from the molten LiCl-KCl-MgCl_2 system

Electrochemical codeposition of Mg-Li alloys on molybdenum electrodes was investigated in LiCl-KCl（50 wt.%：50 wt.%） melts containing different concentrations of MgCl2 at 973 K.Cyclic voltammograms show that the underpotential deposition of lithium on pre-deposited magnesium leads to the formation of liquid Mg-Li alloys.The deposition potentials of Mg（II） and Li（I） ions gradually near each other with MgCl2 concentration decreasing.Mg-Li alloys with typical α ＋ β phases could be obtained by potentiostatic electrolysis from LiCl-KCl melts containing 5 wt.% MgCl2 at -2.25 V vs.Ag/AgCl（cathodic current density 1.70 A·cm-2） for 2.5 h.α phase, α ＋ β phases, and β phase Mg-Li alloys with different lithium contents were obtained by potentiostatic electrolysis from LiCl-KCl melts with the different concentrations of MgCl2.The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

Corrosion behavior and surface treatment of superlight Mg-Li alloys

Mg-Li alloy,as a superlight metallic engineering material,shows great potential in the fields of aerospace and militarydue to its high specific strength,better formability,and excellent electromagnetic shielding performance.The research process ofMg-Li alloys is reviewed and three main problems are pointed out.Aimed at the poor corrosion resistance of Mg-Li alloys,thecorrosion behavior is mainly summarized.The surface treatment technologies,including electroplating,electroless plating,plasmaspraying,molten salt replacement,conversion coating,anodizing,micro-arc oxidation,organic coating,and organic-inorganic hybridcoating,are introduced in detail.Finally,the future development of corrosion and protection of Mg?Li alloys is discussed.

Rolling route for refining grains of super light Mg-Li alloys containing Sc and Be

Pioneering work on Sc or/and Be added Mg-Li alloys with refined grains was initiated. Various rolling-based thermo-mechanical treatments on these Mg-Li alloys were carried out. Four Mg-Li alloys were prepared by vacuum melting process. A unique route for producing fine grains was applied which concluded solution treatment at 350 ℃, cold rolling with 60% thickness reduction and 250 ℃ annealing, successively.

Electrochemical formation and phase control of Mg-Li alloys

The electrochemical formation of Mg-Li alloys was investigated in a molten LiCl-KCl (58-42 mol%) eutectic melt at 723 K. The cyclic voltammogram. for a Mo electrode showed that the electroreduction of Li+ proceeds in a single step and the deposition potential of Li metal was -2.40 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). For Mg electrode, the electroreduction of Li+ takes place at less cathodic potential than that at the Mo electrode which was caused by the formation of Mg-Li alloys. Phase of the deposited Mg-Li alloys could be controlled by the electrolysis potential, and the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that alpha-Mg and beta-Li phases were obtained at -2.35 and -2.55 V, respectively. (c) 2007 Mi Lin Zhang. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Microstructure, cold rolling, heat treatment, and mechanical properties of Mg-Li alloys

The magnesium-lithium （Mg-Li） alloy exhibits two phase structures between 5.7wt% and 10.3wt% Li contents, consisting of the a （hcp） Mg-rich and the β （bcc） Li-rich phases, at room temperature. In the experiment, Mg-5Li-2Zn, Mg-9Li-2Zn, Mg-16Li-2Zn, Mg-22Li-2Zn, Mg-5Li-2Zn-2Ca, Mg-9Li-2Zn-2Ca, Mg-16Li-2Zn-2Ca, and Mg-22Li-2Zn-2Ca （wt%） were melted. During the melting process, the flux, which was composed of lithium chloride （LiCl） and lithium fluoride （LiF） in the proportion of 3：1 （mass ratio） and argon gas were used to protect the alloys from oxidation. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and cold-rolling workability of the wrought alloys were studied. The crystal grain of the alloys （adding Ga） is fine . The hardness of the studied alloys decreases with an increase in element Li. The density of the studied alloys is in the range of 1.187 to 1.617 g/cm^3. The reduction of the Mg-16Li-2Zn and Mg-22Li-2Zn alloys can exceed 85% at room temperature. The Mg-9Li-2Zn-2Ca alloy was heat treated at 300℃ for 8, 12, 16, and 24 h, respectively. The optimum heat treatment of the Mg-9Li-2Zn-2Ca alloy is 300℃×12h by metallographic observation and by studying the mechanical properties of the alloys.

Crack propagation of Mg-Li alloys by impact load

Under impact load,using energy estimation and updated finite element method,the crack propagation of Mg-Li alloys was studied,and the relations between high speed impact,time interval and crack propagation velocity were deduced. The effects of impact pattern characteristic parameters such as impact range and time interval on impact fatigue crack growth and propagation rates were discussed. The results show that with the development of crack length,the crack propagation rate along the central sample alloy swiftly increases to the maximum. Then,the crack of other parts has different rate variations. The calculation and simulation results fit well with the experimental ones,which verifies the validity of energy estimation and updated finite element analysis. Impact loading usually induces materials and accelerates the fatigue crack growth.

First Principles Calculations for Corrosion in Mg-Li-Al Alloys with Focus on Corrosion Resistance: A Comprehensive Review

This comprehensive review examines the structural,mechanical,electronic,and thermodynamic properties of Mg-Li-Al alloys,focusing on their corrosion resistance and mechanical performance enhancement.Utilizing first-principles calculations based on Density Functional Theory(DFT)and the quasi-harmonic approximation(QHA),the combined properties of the Mg-Li-Al phase are explored,revealing superior incompressibility,shear resistance,and stiffness compared to individual elements.The review highlights the brittleness of the alloy,supported by B/G ratios,Cauchy pressures,and Poisson’s ratios.Electronic structure analysis shows metallic behavior with varied covalent bonding characteristics,while Mulliken population analysis emphasizes significant electron transfer within the alloy.This paper also studied thermodynamic properties,including Debye temperature,heat capacity,enthalpy,free energy,and entropy,which are precisely examined,highlighting the Mg-Li-Al phase sensitive to thermal conductivity and thermal performance potential.Phonon density of states(PHDOS)confirms dynamic stability,while anisotropic sound velocities reveal elastic anisotropies.This comprehensive review not only consolidates the current understanding of the Mg-Li-Al alloy’s properties but also proposes innovative strategies for enhancing corrosion resistance.Among these strategies is the introduction of a corrosion barrier akin to the Mg-Li-Al network,which holds promise for advancing both the applications and performance of these alloys.This review serves as a crucial foundation for future research aimed at optimizing alloy design and processing methods.

Accelerated design of high-performance Mg-Mn-based magnesium alloys based on novel bayesian optimization

Magnesium(Mg),being the lightest structural metal,holds immense potential for widespread applications in various fields.The development of high-performance and cost-effective Mg alloys is crucial to further advancing their commercial utilization.With the rapid advancement of machine learning(ML)technology in recent years,the“data-driven''approach for alloy design has provided new perspectives and opportunities for enhancing the performance of Mg alloys.This paper introduces a novel regression-based Bayesian optimization active learning model(RBOALM)for the development of high-performance Mg-Mn-based wrought alloys.RBOALM employs active learning to automatically explore optimal alloy compositions and process parameters within predefined ranges,facilitating the discovery of superior alloy combinations.This model further integrates pre-established regression models as surrogate functions in Bayesian optimization,significantly enhancing the precision of the design process.Leveraging RBOALM,several new high-performance alloys have been successfully designed and prepared.Notably,after mechanical property testing of the designed alloys,the Mg-2.1Zn-2.0Mn-0.5Sn-0.1Ca alloy demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties,including an ultimate tensile strength of 406 MPa,a yield strength of 287 MPa,and a 23%fracture elongation.Furthermore,the Mg-2.7Mn-0.5Al-0.1Ca alloy exhibits an ultimate tensile strength of 211 MPa,coupled with a remarkable 41%fracture elongation.

Relationship between the unique microstructures and behaviors of high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys(HEAs),which were introduced as a pioneering concept in 2004,have captured the keen interest of nu-merous researchers.Entropy,in this context,can be perceived as representing disorder and randomness.By contrast,elemental composi-tions within alloy systems occupy specific structural sites in space,a concept referred to as structure.In accordance with Shannon entropy,structure is analogous to information.Generally,the arrangement of atoms within a material,termed its structure,plays a pivotal role in dictating its properties.In addition to expanding the array of options for alloy composites,HEAs afford ample opportunities for diverse structural designs.The profound influence of distinct structural features on the exceptional behaviors of alloys is underscored by numer-ous examples.These features include remarkably high fracture strength with excellent ductility,antiballistic capability,exceptional radi-ation resistance,and corrosion resistance.In this paper,we delve into various unique material structures and properties while elucidating the intricate relationship between structure and performance.

Strength and elastic modulus enhancement in Mg-Li-Al matrix composites reinforced by ex situ TiB2 particles via stir casting

A novel Mg^(-1)0Li-3Al(wt.%,LA103)matrix composite reinforced by ex situ micron TiB_(2) particles was developed in the present study.The ball milling and cold pressing pretreatment of the reinforcements made it feasible to prepare this material under stir casting conditions with good dispersion.The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites prepared by different pretreatment methods were analyzed in detail.The TiB_(2) particles in the Al-TiB_(2)/LA103 composite using the pretreatment process were uniformly distributed in the microstructure due to the formation of highly wettable core-shell units in the melt.Compared with the matrix alloys,the Al-TiB_(2)/LA103 composite exhibited effective strength and elastic modulus improvements while maintaining acceptable elongation.The strengthening effect in the composites was mainly attributed to the strong grain refining effect of TiB2.This work shows a balance of high specific modulus(36.1 GPa·cm^(3)·g^(-1))and elongation(8.4%)with the conventional stir casting path,which is of considerable application value.

Microstructure and damping properties of LPSO phase dominant Mg-Ni-Y and Mg-Zn-Ni-Y alloys

This work studied the microstructure,mechanical properties and damping properties of Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66) and Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloys systematically.The difference in the evolution of the long-period stacked ordered(LPSO)phase in the two alloys during heat treatment was the focus.The morphology of the as-cast Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)presented a disordered network.After heat treatment at 773 K for 2 hours,the eutectic phase was integrated into the matrix,and the LPSO phase maintained the 18R structure.As Zn partially replaced Ni,the crystal grains became rounded in the cast alloy,and lamellar LPSO phases and more solid solution atoms were contained in the matrix after heat treatment of the Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloy.Both Zn and the heat treatment had a significant effect on damping.Obvious dislocation internal friction peaks and grain boundary internal friction peaks were found after temperature-dependent damping of the Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)and Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloys.After heat treatment,the dislocation peak was significantly increased,especially in the alloy Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2).66.The annealed Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)alloy with a rod-shaped LPSO phase exhibited a good damping performance of 0.14 atε=10^(−3),which was due to the difference between the second phase and solid solution atom content.These factors also affected the dynamic modulus of the alloy.The results of this study will help in further development of high-damping magnesium alloys.

Revealing the role of pyramidal slip in the high ductility of Mg-Li alloy

The high ductility of Mg-Li alloy has been mainly ascribed to a high activity of pyramidal<c+a>slip to accommodate plastic strain.In the present study,however,a quantitative analysis reveals that Li-addition can only slightly stimulate the activation of pyramidal<c+a>slip under compression along the normal direction of a hot-rolled Mg-4.5 wt.%Li plate,with a relative activity of approximately 18%.Although the limited activity of pyramidal<c+a>slip alone cannot accommodate a large plastic strain,it effectively reduces the number of{10.11}−{10.12}double twins,which are believed to be favorable sites for crack initiation.The evidently reduced activity of double twins leads to a lower cracking tendency,and therefore improves ductility.

Microstructures,corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys for plugging tool applications

Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys were prepared through semi-continuous casting,with the aim of identifying a degradable magnesium(Mg)alloy suitable for use in fracturing balls.A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the impacts of adding Cu and Ni,which result in finer grains and the formation of galvanic corrosion sites.Scanner electronic microscopy examination revealed that precipitated phases concentrated at grain boundaries,forming a semi-continuous network structure that facilitated corrosion penetration in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Pitting corrosion was observed in Mg-6Zn-2Fe,while galvanic corrosion was identified as the primary mechanism in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Among the tests,the Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy exhibited the highest corrosion rate(approximately 932.9 mm/a)due to its significant potential difference.Mechanical testing showed that Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy possessed suitable ultimate compressive strength,making it a potential candidate material for degradable fracturing balls,effectively addressing the challenges of balancing strength and degradation rate in fracturing applications.

Prediction of the thermal conductivity of Mg–Al–La alloys by CALPHAD method

Mg-Al alloys have excellent strength and ductility but relatively low thermal conductivity due to Al addition.The accurate prediction of thermal conductivity is a prerequisite for designing Mg-Al alloys with high thermal conductivity.Thus,databases for predicting temperature-and composition-dependent thermal conductivities must be established.In this study,Mg-Al-La alloys with different contents of Al2La,Al3La,and Al11La3phases and solid solubility of Al in the α-Mg phase were designed.The influence of the second phase(s) and Al solid solubility on thermal conductivity was investigated.Experimental results revealed a second phase transformation from Al_(2)La to Al_(3)La and further to Al_(11)La_(3)with the increasing Al content at a constant La amount.The degree of the negative effect of the second phase(s) on thermal diffusivity followed the sequence of Al2La>Al3La>Al_(11)La_(3).Compared with the second phase,an increase in the solid solubility of Al in α-Mg remarkably reduced the thermal conductivity.On the basis of the experimental data,a database of the reciprocal thermal diffusivity of the Mg-Al-La system was established by calculation of the phase diagram (CALPHAD)method.With a standard error of±1.2 W/(m·K),the predicted results were in good agreement with the experimental data.The established database can be used to design Mg-Al alloys with high thermal conductivity and provide valuable guidance for expanding their application prospects.

Effect of icosahedral phase formation on the stress corrosion cracking(SCC)behaviors of the as-cast Mg-8%Li(in wt.%)based alloys

Through exploring the stress corrosion cracking(SCC)behaviors of the as-cast Mg-8%Li and Mg-8%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloys in a 0.1 M NaCl solution,it revealed that the SCC susceptibility index(I_(SCC))of the Mg-8%Li alloy was 47%,whilst the I_(SCC)of the Mg-8%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloy was 68%.Surface,cross-sectional and fractography observations indicated that for the Mg-8%Li alloy,theα-Mg/β-Li interfaces acted as the preferential crack initiation sites and propagation paths during the SCC process.With regard to the Mg-8%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloy,the crack initiation sites included the I-phase and the interfaces of I-phase/β-Li andα-Mg/β-Li,and the preferential propagation paths were the I-phase/β-Li andα-Mg/β-Li interfaces.Moreover,the SCC of the two alloys was concerned with hydrogen embrittlement(HE)mechanism.

Microstructures and micromechanical behaviors of high -entropy alloys investigated by synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques: A review

High-entropy alloys(HEAs)possess outstanding features such as corrosion resistance,irradiation resistance,and good mechan-ical properties.A few HEAs have found applications in the fields of aerospace and defense.Extensive studies on the deformation mech-anisms of HEAs can guide microstructure control and toughness design,which is vital for understanding and studying state-of-the-art structural materials.Synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction are necessary techniques for materials science research,especially for in situ coupling of physical/chemical fields and for resolving macro/microcrystallographic information on materials.Recently,several re-searchers have applied synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction methods to study the deformation mechanisms,phase transformations,stress behaviors,and in situ processes of HEAs,such as variable-temperature,high-pressure,and hydrogenation processes.In this review,the principles and development of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction are presented,and their applications in the deformation mechanisms of HEAs are discussed.The factors that influence the deformation mechanisms of HEAs are also outlined.This review fo-cuses on the microstructures and micromechanical behaviors during tension/compression or creep/fatigue deformation and the application of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction methods to the characterization of dislocations,stacking faults,twins,phases,and intergrain/interphase stress changes.Perspectives on future developments of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction and on research directions on the deformation mechanisms of novel metals are discussed.