Mg–Cu–Gd layered composite plate synthesized via the spray forming process

A layered composite plate of Mg–Cu–Gd was produced by spray forming with dimensions of 300 mm in diameter and 12 mm in maximum thickness, with a Gaussian distribution and a weight of 510 g. The deposit comprised of a nearly complete glassy structure at the bottom, glassy/crystalline structure in the middle (up to 6 mm from substrate), and a completely crystallized structure at the deposit top. The porosity of the spray-formed Mg–Cu–Gd layered composite plate varied from the near substrate interface to the near free surface. The chemical composition of the spray-formed Mg–Cu–Gd layered composite plate varied from near the substrate to near free surface, with increasing Cu + Gd concentration towards the substrate because segregation during melting. The glass forming ability of the spray-formed Mg–Cu–Gd layered composite plate was studied. The hardness of the spray-formed Mg–Cu–Gd layered composite plate varied due to variations in the local microstructures and phases, and porosity.