Effect of Ce on microstructure and dynamic compression properties of ZK60 alloy

The Mg–6Zn–xCe–0.6Zr (x = 1, 2) alloys were subjected to a dynamic compression experiment, and the change in microstructure was noticed and studied. The primary components of two alloys are α-Mg matrix, Mg₇Zn₃ phase, and (Mg_1−xZn _x )₁₁Ce phase. The two alloys have grain diameters of 2.8 and 3.2 μm, respectively. The dynamic compressive mechanical characteristics of the two alloys show a positive strain-strengthening effect, with Mg–6Zn–1Ce–0.6Zr alloy having somewhat higher values than Mg–6Zn–2Ce–0.6Zr alloy. At a strain rate of 500 s⁻¹, {10 1 ¯ 2} tensile twin is the dominant deformation mechanism for two alloys, but the Mg–6Zn–2Ce–0.6Zr alloy is more prone to produce {10 1 ¯ 2} tensile twin. With the increase of the strain rate, the dominant deformation mechanism changes from {10 1 ¯ 2} tensile twin to pyramidal slip.