Study on Aging Strengthening Behavior of ZK60 -2.0%Nd-1.0%Y Alloy

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-6.0%Zn-0.5%Zr (ZK60) and ZK60-2.0%Nd-1.0%Y alloys after extrusion, rolling and then T5 and T6 heat-treatment were investigated. The hardness and tensile strength at T5 and T6 condition were tested. The results show that the mechanical properties of ZK60--2.0%Nd-1.0%Y alloy are superior to that of ZK60 alloy. The hardness of the investigated alloy at T5 condition is higher than at T6. The strengthening of ZK60-2.0%Nd-1.0%Y alloy originates from the interaction of phase and dislocations. The precipitation order of ZK60-2.0%Nd-1.0%Y alloy is GP zone . The magnesium alloy contains rare earth elements with good casting performance, great potential for plastic deformation, high strength, excellent mechanical properties and many other advantages. The magnesium alloy oversaturation solid solution's decomposition process conforms to time the common alloy oversaturation solid solution decomposition order rule, often namely before separating out the equilibrium phase presents some transitional stage the structure, like the GP area, the transition are equal, but the different series magnesium alloy presents the different characteristic, therefore uses the heat treatment method also has big difference [1-5]. In this paper, we will analysis mechanical properties of aging process of testing and microstructure of Mg-6.0% Zn-0.5% Zr-2.0% Nd-1.0% Y alloy , do Research about strengthen the effect of melting and from the product of the relationship on different alloy aging process, and analysis contribution of rare earth elements Nd, Y to alloy strengthen.