Microstructure characterization and corrosion behavior of Mg-Y-Zn alloys with different long period stacking ordered structures

Mg-Y-Zn alloys with long period stacking ordered(LPSO)structure have received much attention recently and exhibit great potential in applications such as automotive,aerospace and in bio-medical fields.This paper aimed to investigate the effect of different phase constitution of LPSO structures on corrosion rate of bio-medical Mg-Y-Zn alloys.The results showed that as-cast Mg98.5Y1Zn0.5 alloys containing only 18R structure exhibited the highest corrosion resistance with the corrosion rate of 2.78 mm/year.The precipitation of 14H lamellas within a-Mg grains during solid solution treatment introduced the crystallographic orientation corrosion by accelerating micro-galvanic corrosion.The increase of 18R/14H interfaces deteriorated the corrosion resistance,and the grain boundaries also suffered from severe electrochemical dissolution.This work suggested that Mg-Y-Zn alloys with single LPSO structure(either 18R or 14H)exhibited better corrosion resistance than alloys with co-existence 18R and I4H LPSO structures.

Review on long-period stacking-ordered structures in Mg-Zn-RE alloys

The recent development of high-strength magnesium alloys is focused on the role of the strengthening phases with a novel long-period stacking-ordered (LPSO) structure. This review detailed the main factors influencing the formation of LPSO phases, including alloying ele-ments, preparation methods, and heat treatments. Furthermore, process control in structure types, formation and transformation behavior, strengthening and toughening mechanisms of the LPSO phase were discussed. Finally, the current problems and development trends of high-strength Mg-Zn-RE alloys were also put forward.

Recent developments on corrosion behaviors of Mg alloys with stacking fault or long period stacking ordered structures

Corrosion is one of the most drawbacks which restricts the wide applications of Mg alloys.In the last decade,the corrosion behaviors of Mg alloys with stacking fault(SF)and/or long period stacking ordered(LPSO)structures have obtained increasing attention.However,the corrosion mechanism of the SF–or LPSO–containing Mg alloys has not been well illustrated and even reverse results have been reported.In this paper,we have reviewed recent reports on corrosion behaviors of SF–or LPSO–containing Mg alloys to better clarify and understand the significance and mechanism.Moreover,some deficiencies are presented and advises are proposed for the development of corrosion resistant Mg alloys with SF or LPSO structures.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of a compound reinforced Mg95Y2.5Zn2.5 alloy with long period stacking ordered phase and W phase

The microstructure evolution of Mg100-2xYxZnx （x=2, 2.5, 3, 3.5） alloys was investigated. Results show that the Mg100-2xYxZnx alloys are composed of a-Mg, long period stacking ordered （LPSO） phase and eutectic structure phase （W phase）, and the Mg95Y2.5Zn2.5 alloy has the best comprehensive mechanical properties. Subsequently, the microstructure evolution of the optimized alloy Mg95Y2.5Zn2.5 during solidification and heat treatment processes was analyzed and discussed by means of OM, SEM, TEM, XRD and DTA. After heat treatment, the lamellar phase 14H-LPSO precipitated in a-Mg and W phase transforms into particle phase （MgyZn2）. Due to the compound reinforcement effect of the particle phase and LPSO phase （18R＋14H）, the mechanical properties of the alloy are enhanced. The tensile strength and elongation of the Mg95Y2.5Zn2.5 alloy is improved by 9.1% and 31.3% to 215 MPa and 10.5%, respectively, after solid-solution treatment.

Effect of Li on formation of long period stacking ordered phases and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Zn alloy

Alloys with composition of Mg_(96-x)Gd_3Zn_1Li_x(at.%)(x=0, 2, 4, and 6) were prepared by conventional casting. The microstructures of these alloys under as-cast and solid-solution conditions have been observed, and the mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that Li is an effective element to refine the grains and break the eutectic networks in as-cast MgGd_3Zn_1 alloy. During solid solution treatment, these broken eutectic networks are spheroidized and highly dispersed. In addition, plentiful lamellar long period stacking ordered(LPSO) phases are precipitated in an α-Mg matrix when the Li addition is not more than 4%. Solid-solution treated Mg_(92)Gd_3Zn_1Li_4 alloy exhibits an optimal ultimate tensile strength(UTS) of 226 MPa and elongation of 5.8%. The strength of MgGd_3Zn_1 alloy is improved significantly, meanwhile, the toughness is apparently increased.

Effect of long period stacking ordered phase on damping capacities of as-cast Mg-Zn-Y alloys

The microstructure and damping capacities of MgZnxYi.33x(x=l-4at.%)alloys were discussed and researched.The main phase composition of the alloys consists of a_Mg and long-period stacking ordered(LPSO)phase.Due to increasedLPSO phase,grain size was refined.LPSO phase was advantageous to the damping properties of the Mg-Zn-Y alloys.Mg-7%Zn-12.8%Y has the highest damping capacity up to0.04.Due to stacking fault probability,the LPSO phase in the Mg-Zn-Yalloys could be new damping source to dissipate energy so as to contribute to the improvement of damping capacities.

Dilute long period stacking/order(LPSO)-variant phases along the composition gradient in a Mg-Ho-Cu alloy

We have systematically investigated the microstructures of as-cast Mg_(97.49)Ho_(1.99)Cu_(0.43)Zr_(0.09)alloy by atomic resolution high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy(HAADF-STEM), revealing the coexistence of 18R, 14H and 24R long period stacking/order(LPSO) phases with fully coherent interfaces along step-like composition gradient in a blocky intermetallic compound distributed at grain boundary. The short-range order(SRO) L1_(2)-type Cu_(6)Ho_(8)clusters embedded across AB’C’A-stacking fault layers are directly revealed at atomic scale. Importantly, the order degree of SRO clusters in the present dilute alloy is significant lower than previous 6M and 7M in-plane order reported in ternary Mg-TM(transition metal)-RE(rare earth) alloys, which can be well matched by 9M in-plane order. This directly demonstrates that SRO in-plane L1_(2)-type clusters can be expanded into more dilute composition regions bounded along the definite TM/RE ratio of 3/4. In addition, the estimated chemical compositions of solute enriched stacking fault(SESF) in all LPSO variants are almost identical with the ideal SESF composition of 9M in-plane order, regardless of the type of LPSO phases. The results further support the viewpoint that robust L1_(2)-type TM_(6)RE_(8)clusters play an important role in governing LPSO phase formation.

CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF A LONG－PERIOD ORDERED PHASE IN Fe－C MARTENSITE AND COMPUTER SIMULATION OF ITS ELECTRON DIFFRACTION PATTERNS

Different structure models of a long-period ordered phase in Fe-C martenstie formed during aging have been checked by computer simulation of electron diffraction(ED) patterns based on these models.The results showed that the simulated ED pattern of γ'-FexC(Ⅱ) model proposed by the present authors is in good agreement with experimentally observed ED pattern.It was also confirmed that the incommensurate superperiod stems from the coexistence of several γ'-Fe_xC(H) phases with different superperiods.The Fe(144)C(24)(Fe6C) model proposed by Uwakweh et al.generated ED patterns remarkably different from the experimental ones.

In-situ study of the microstructure evolution during tension of a Mg-Y-Zn-Al alloy processed by rapidly solidified ribbon consolidation technique

Mg-Y-Zn-Al alloys processed by rapidly solidified ribbon consolidation(RSRC)technique exhibit an exceptional mechanical performance indicating promising application potential.This material has a bimodal microstructure consisting of fine recrystallized and coarse non-recrystallized grains with solute-rich stacking faults forming cluster arranged layers(CALs)and nanoplates(CANaPs),or complete long period stacking ordered(LPSO)phase.In order to reveal the deformation mechanisms,in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction line profile analysis was employed for a detailed study of the dislocation arrangement created during tension in Mg-0.9%Zn-2.05%Y-0.15%Al(at%)alloy.For uncovering the effect of the initial microstructure on the mechanical performance,additional samples were obtained by annealing of the as-consolidated specimen at 300 and 400℃ for 2 h.The heat treatment at 300℃ had no significant effect on the initial microstructure,its evolution during tension and,thus,the overall deformation behavior under tensile loading.On the other hand,annealing at 400℃ resulted in a significant increase of the recrystallized grains fraction and a decrease of the dislocation density,leading to only minor degradation of the mechanical strength.The maximum dislocation density at the failure of the samples corresponding to the plastic strain of 10-25% was estimated to be about 16-20×10^(14)m^(-2).The diffraction profile analysis indicated that most dislocations formed during tension were of non-basal and pyramidal types,what was also in agreement with the Schmid factor values revealed independently from orientation maps.It was also shown that the dislocation-induced Taylor hardening was much lower below the plastic strain of 3% than above this value,which was explained by a model of the interaction between prismatic dislocations and CANaPs/LPSO plates.

Microstructure and tribological behavior of Mg-Gd-Zn-Zr alloy with LPSO structure

A Mg-14.28Gd-2.44Zn-0.54Zr （mass fraction, %） alloy was prepared by conventional ingot metallurgy （I/M）. The microstructure differences in as-cast and solution-treated alloys were investigated. Sliding tribological behaviors of the as-cast and solution-treated alloys were investigated under oil lubricant condition by pin-on-disc configuration. The wear loss and friction coefficients were measured at a load of 40 N and sliding speeds of 30-300 mm/s with a sliding distance of 5000 m at room temperature. The results show that the as-cast alloy is mainly composed ofα-Mg solid solution, the lamellar 14H-type long period stacking ordered （LPSO） structure within matrix, andβ-[（Mg,Zn）3Gd] phase. However, most of theβ-phase transforms to X-phase with 14H-type LPSO structure after solution heat treatment at 773 K for 35 h （T4）. The solution-treated alloy presents low wear-resistance, because the hard β-phase is converted into thermally-stable, ductile and soft X-Mg12GdZn phase with LPSO structure in the alloy.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg–RE–TM Cast Alloys Containing Long Period Stacking Ordered Phases: A Review

Casting magnesium alloys hold the greatest share of magnesium application products due to their short processing period, low cost and near net shape forming. Compared with conventional commercial magnesium alloys or other Mg–RE-based alloys, the novel Mg–RE–TM cast alloys with long period stacking ordered(LPSO) phases usually possess a higher strength and are promising candidates for aluminum alloy applications. Up to now, two ways: alloying design and casting process control(including subsequent heat treatments), have been predominantly employed to further improve the mechanical properties of these alloys. Alloying with other elements or ceramic particles could alter the solidifi cation pattern of alloys, change the morphology of LPSO phases and refi ne the microstructures. Diff erent casting techniques(conventional casting, rapidly solidifi cation, directional solidifi cation, etc.) introduce various microstructure characteristics, such as dendritic structure, nanocrystalline, metastable phase, anisotropy. Further heat treatments could activate the transformation of various LPSO structures and precipitation of diverse precipitates. All these evolutions exert great impacts on the mechanical properties of the LPSO-containing alloys. However, the underlying mechanisms still remain a subject of debate. Therefore, this review mainly provides the state of the art of the casting magnesium alloys research and the accompanying challenges and summarizes some topics that merit future investigation for developing high-performance Mg–RE–TM cast alloys.

Corrosion Behavior of Mg-Zn-Y Alloy with Long-period Stacking Ordered Structures

Mg-Zn-Y alloys with long-period stacking ordered structures were prepared by an ingot casting method. The corrosion performance of Mg-Zn-Y alloys was studied by combining gas-collecting test, immersion test and electrochemical measurements in order to determine the corrosion rate and mechanism of the alloys. The results showed that the volume fraction of Mg（12）YZn phase increased and the shape of the Mg（12）YZn phase changed from discontinuous to continuous net-like with increasing Zn and Y content. The corrosion rate of the alloys greatly depended on the distribution and volume fraction of the Mg（12）YZn phase. Corrosion products appeared at the junction of Mg phase and Mg（12）YZn phase, indicating that the Mg（12）YZn phase accelerated galvanic corrosion of Mg matrix. Mg（97）Zn1Y2 alloy shows the lowest corrosion rate due to the continuous distribution of Mg（12）YZn phase.

Evolution of precipitates in Mg−7Gd−3Y−1Nd−1Zn−0.5Zr alloy with fine plate-like 14H-LPSO structures aged at 240℃

The morphology and crystal structure of the precipitates in Mg-7Gd-3Y-1Nd-1Zn-0.5Zr(wt.%)alloy with fine plate-like 14H-LPSO structures aged at 240℃were investigated using transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy(HAADF-STEM).Fine plate-like 14H-LPSO structures precipitate after heat treatment at 500℃for 2 h,andβ-type phases precipitate after the alloy is aged at 240℃.The long-period atomic stacking sequence of 14H-LPSO structures along the[0001]αdirection is ABABCACACACBABA.After being aged at 240℃for 2 h,theβ-type phases are the ordered solution clusters,zig-zag GP zones,and a small number ofβ′phases.The peak hardness is obtained at 240℃for 18 h with a Brinell hardness of 112,theβ-type phases areβ’phases and local RE-rich structures.After being aged at 240℃for 100 h,theβ-type phases areβ’,β1 andβ’F phases.β′phases nucleate from the zig-zag GP zones directly withoutβ″phases,and then transform intoβ1 phase byβ’→β’F→β1 transformations.The Zn not only can form LPSO structure,but also is the constituent element ofβ1 phases.LPSO structures have a certain hindrance to the coarsening ofβ’andβ1 along<0001>α.

Effect of Precipitated Phases on Corrosion of Mg95.8Gd3Zn1Zr0.2 Alloy with Long-Period Stacking Ordered Structure

The microstructure of the precipitated phases of Mg95.sGd3Zn1Zro.2 alloys with long-period stacking ordered structure before and after heat treatment is discussed. The corrosion properties of the as-cast （F）, solid-solution （T4） and aging-treated （T6） alloys in 1% NaC1 solution are studied. The hydrogen evolution and electrochemical measurements display that the as-cast Mg95.sGd3Zn1Zro.2 alloy with the continuous network eutectic phase exhibits the greatest corrosion resistance, while T6 sample with some needle-like phases and the particle phases is the worst among the three alloys. It is proposed to be mainly related to the amount, composition, microstructure and distribution of the precipitated phases.

Formation of β' phase in LPSO structures in an Mg88Co5Y7 alloy

Formation of β’ phase in long-period stacking ordered(LPSO) structures in an Mg;Co;Y;(at.%) alloy after aging at 200 °C for 24 h or electron beam(EB) irradiation has been studied by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy(HAADFSTEM). β’ phase was precipitated only in the Mg matrix but not in LPSO structures after aging at 200 °C for 24 h. LPSO structure containing stacking defects transforms into the β’-long phase during EB irradiation, which plays a key role in accelerating solute atoms’ diffusion. New complex β’(LPSO) structures formed in the alloy after EB irradiation, such as β’(12 H) structure with an orthorhombic lattice(Mg;Y, Cmcm,a = 2 _(a0)= 0.642 nm, b=4√3_(a0), c = 6 _(c0)= 3.12 nm).

Formation Behavior of 14H Long Period Stacking Ordered Structure in Mg–Y–Zn Cast Alloys with Different α-Mg Fractions

Phase compositions and microstructure evolutions of three Mg-Y-Zn cast alloys during isothermal annealing at 773 K have been systematically investigated to clarify the formation behavior of 14 H long period stacking ordered（LPSO） structure from α-Mg grains.The annealed microstructure characteristics indicate that the 18 R phase is thermal stable in Mg86Y8Zn6 alloy where 18 R serves as matrix,and 14 H lamellar phase only forms within tiny α-Mg slices（less than 1% for volume fraction）.The α-Mg grains in Mg88Y8Zn4 and Mg89Y8Zn3 alloys exhibit cellular shape,and 14 H phase forms and develops into lamellar shape in these cellular grains after annealing.The results suggest that the presence of α-Mg grains is a requirement for the generation of 14 H phase.The nucleation and growth rates of 14 H lamellas are accelerated in α-Mg grains with higher concentrations of stacking faults and solute atoms.Moreover,the 14 H lamellas are parallel to adjacent 18 R plates in Mg86Y8Zn6 alloy,but the 14 H phase precipitated in cellularα-Mg grains of Mg88Y8Zn4 and Mg89Y8Zn3 alloys exhibits random orientation relationship with surrounding 18 R phase,indicating that the orientation relationship between 14 H and 18 R phases depends on the relationship between α-Mg grains and 18 R phase.

Guinier-Preston Zone,Quasicrystal and Long-period Stacking Ordered Structure in Mg-based Alloys,A Review

Both the solid solution and precipitation are mainly strengthening mechanism for the magnesium-based alloys. A great number of alloying elements can be dissolved into the Mg matrix to form the solutes and precipitates.Moreover, the type of precipitates varies with different alloying elements and heat treatments, which makes it quite difficult to understand the formation mechanism of the precipitates in Mg-based alloys in depth. Thus, it is very hard to give a systematical regularity in precipitation process for the Mg-based alloys. This review is mainly focused on the formation and microstructural evolution of the precipitates, as a hot topic for the past few years, including Guinier-Preston Zones, quasicrystals and long-period stacking ordered phases formed in a number of Mg-TM-RE alloy systems, where TM = Al, Zn, Zr and RE = Y,Gd, Hd, Ce and La.

Microstructure and phase composition of as-cast Mg-9Er-6Y-xZn-0.6Zr alloys

The microstructure and phase composition of as-cast Mg-9Er-6Y-xZn-0.6Zr （x=1, 2, 3, 4; normal mass fraction in %） alloys were investigated. In low Zn content, aside from the major second phase of Mg24（Er, Y, Zn）5, there are a few lamellar phases that grow parallel with each other from the grain boundaries to the grain interior. With Zn content increasing, the Mg24（Er, Y, Zn）5 phase decreases, but the Mg12Zn（Y, Er） phase and lamellar phases continuously increase. When Zn content reaches 4% （normal mass fraction）, the Mg12Zn（Y, Er） phase mainly exists as large bulks, and some a-Mg grains are thoroughly penetrated by the lamellar phases. Moreover, the crystallography structures of the Mgl2Zn（Y, Er） and Mg24（Er, Y, Zn）5 phases are confirmed as 18R-type long-period stacking ordered structure and body-centred cubic structure, respectively.

Phase equilibria and microstructure investigation of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn alloy system

In order to develop high strength Mg-Gd-Y-Zn alloys,key experiments coupled with CALPHAD(CALculation of PHAse Diagrams)calculations were carried out in the current work to provide critical understanding of this important alloy system.Three Mg-10 Gd-xY-yZn(x=4 or 5,y=3 or 5,wt.%) were mapped on Mg-Gd-Y-Zn phase diagrams for phase equilibria and microstructure investigation.Electron microscopy was performed for phase identification and phase fraction determination in as-cast and solution treated conditions.In all three alloys,the major phases were Mg-matrix and long period stacking order(LPSO) 14 H phase.With ST at 400 and 500℃,the phase fraction of LPSO 14 H increased,particularly the fine lamellar morphology in the Mg matrix.The as-cast and 400℃ Mg10 Gd5 Y3 Zn samples had Mg(Gd,Y) present.At 500℃,Mg(Gd,Y) is not stable and transforms into LPSO 14 H.The Mg 10 Gd5 Y5 Zn alloy included the WPhase,which showed a reduction in phase fraction with solution treatment.These experimental results were used to validate and improve the thermodynamic database of the Mg-Gd-Y-Zn system.Thermodynamic calculations using the improved database can well describe the available experimental results and make accurate predictions to guide the development of promising high-strength Mg-Gd-Y-Zn alloys.

Microstructure and yield phenomenon of an extruded Mg-Y-Cu alloy with LPSO phase

A yield phenomenon was firstly reported in an extruded Mg-6.8Y-2.5Cu alloy and the corresponding microstructure was also investigated in this work,The cast alloy is mainly composed ofα-Mg,18R long period stacking order(LPSO)phase,eutectic phase(Mg_(20)Cu_(4)Y_(1)),and Mg_(2)Cu phase.The 18R LPSO phase at the dendritic grain boundary transforms into the 14H LPSO phase in the grain interior during homogenization.After extrusion,the grain size of the homogenized alloy is remarkably refined to-3.69μm and the second phase is significantly broken and distributed in the extrusion direction.Tensile testing curves of the extrude alloy at room temperature indicate that the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increase while the elongation of the alloy decreases with increasing strain rate.Interestingly,a yield plateau fo rms and gradually decreases with increasing strain rate.The yield phenomenon is related to the dislocation multiplication and the interaction between the movable dislocations and solute atoms.