Microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of a hot rolled Mg–6.5Gd–1.3Nd–0.7Y–0.3Zn alloy

In present work, the microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of hot rolled Mg–6.5Gd–1.3Nd–0.7Y–0.3Zn alloy were investigated. The as-rolled alloy reveals a fully recrystallized grain structure, consisting of equiaxed grains of about 8 μm diameter. And the eutectic phase in this alloy has been fragmented to small particles, which brings a promotion of grain refinement during rolling processing. A weak non-basal texture characterized by splitting basal poles toward transverse direction (TD) of the alloy sheet is obtained. The as-rolled alloy exhibits mechanical anisotropy that the 0.2% yield strengths and elongations in the rolling direction (RD) are both higher than those in the TD. It results from the non-basal texture and distribution of eutectic phase particles in the alloy sheet. Significant strengthening is achieved in the peak-aged alloy owing to the fine precipitates produced by isothermal ageing. And the mechanical anisotropy still exists.