Effect of solution treatment on microstructure and properties of Mg-6Gd-3Y-1.5Zn-0.6Zr alloy

Abstract The effect of solution treatment on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the Mg–6Gd–3Y–1.5Zn–0.6Zr alloy was investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and tensile tests. After solution treatment, the growth of a new lamellar long-period stacking ordered phase from the grain boundary to the inner grain was observed. The alloy exhibited improved mechanical properties after 5 h of treatment at 500 °C and reached its peak aging hardness after 4 h at 200 °C.