Crystal structure and mechanical properties of a new ternary phase in Mg-Zn-Y alloy solidified under high pressure

Abstract A new ternary phase, Mg 64.093±0.004 Zn 15.355±0.002 Y 20.552±0.005 (at. %) was found in a Mg-Zn-Y alloy prepared by high pressure solidification. A full set of crystal structure parameters including the atomic coordinates of this new phase were determined using X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement and electron probe micro-analysis. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of this phase, including the Young's modulus and hardness were reported by nanoindentation test. Theoretical elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio of this phase were calculated by first-principles. Results indicate that this phase is a ductile materials phase.