Microstructure evolution difference in Mg96.5Gd2.5Zn1 alloys extruded from as-cast and solution-treated states

Abstract Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg96.5Gd2.5Zn1 alloys in as-cast and solution-treated states were systematically studied during hot extrusion. The as-cast alloy mainly contains eutectic (Mg,Zn)3Gd compound, block-shaped 18R-LPSO structure and Mg matrix with a few lamellar long-period stacking order (LPSO) structures. The solution-treated alloy has a block-shaped 14H-LPSO structure at grain boundaries (GBs) and high-density lamellar LPSO structures within the matrix. After hot extrusion, the (Mg,Zn)3Gd phase and 18R-LPSO structure were broken an kinked, respectively. Bimodal microstructure with fine recrystallized (DRXed) grains and coarse-deformed grain were formed in both studied alloys. Sandwich-like distribution of the fine DRXed grain was observed in the as-cast-extruded alloy, which shows obviously different DRX behavior compared with the solution-treated-extruded alloy that recrystallizes at GBs. The result reveals that lamellar LPSO structure promotes DRX formation in the LPSO-free region of the matrix by accumulating dislocations at the interface frontier of lamellar LPSO/matrix. Moreover, the LPSO structure, fine DRXed grains and nanoparticles at GBs enhanced the yield strength of the wrought alloy.