Effects of Nd on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast LA141 alloys

Microstructure and mechanical properties of LA141(Mg–14Li–1Al)–xNd alloys were studied. Results show that Nd has obvious refining effect on the alloys when the Nd addition is 0.6 wt%. 0.6 wt% Nd addition makes the grain size of LA141 alloys decrease by 30%. When Nd addition is less than 0.6 wt%, Al2Nd formed in alloys is favorable for strength improvement. When Al2Nd amount is too much, cracks are easy to form during tensile test, causing the decrease of strength. 0.6 wt% Nd addition makes LA141 alloys reach its peak strength. The strength of Mg–14Li–1Al–0.6Nd alloy increases by 45%, compared with that of LA141 alloys.