Influence of neodymium on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31B wrought magnesium alloy

The influences of rare earth neodymium on microstructure and mechanical properties of as cast and hot rolled AZ31B wrought magnesium alloy were investigated. The results show that the mechanical properties of both as cast and hot rolled AZ31B alloys decrease due to Nd addition. Nd reacts with Al to form Al₂Nd phase when Nd is added. Bulky and brittle Al₂Nd intermetallic degrades the mechanical properties. Moreover, the addition of Nd weakens the grain refining effect of Al on as cast AZ31B alloy, resulting in grain coarsening. Coarse grains also cause the decline of the mechanical properties of as cast AZ31B–Nd alloy. The negative influence of the bulky and brittle intermetallics on mechanical properties of AZ31B alloy can be relieved by large deformation because the intermetallics can be sufficiently broken up during the deformation process.