Precipitate evolution in Mg−7Gd−3Y−1Nd−1Zn−0.5Zr alloy during isothermal ageing at 240 °C

Abstract The morphology and crystal structure of the precipitates in Mg−7Gd−3Y−1Nd−1Zn−0.5Zr alloy during isothermal ageing at 240 °C were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). After under-ageing for 2 h, the precipitates in the alloy are ordered solute clusters with rare earth atomic columns exhibiting hexagonal ring structure, zigzag GP zones and β' in its early formation. After peak-ageing for 18 h, the precipitates are mainly β' and new rod-like β'p accompanied with β'. After over-ageing for 100 h, the precipitates are β', β1, long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) building block known as γ′ and 14H-LPSO. β' has the three-dimensional shape of convex lens with smaller length-to-width ratio viewed along 〈0001〉α than that in the EW75 alloy. The excellent thermal stability of this alloy can be attributed to the γ' and 14H-LPSO retarding the growth of β' and β1, low diffusion rate of rare earth atoms and physical character of β' and β1.