The corrosion behavior and mechanical property of the Mg–7Y–xNd ternary alloys

Abstract The corrosion behavior and mechanical property of Mg–7Y– x Nd ( x  = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 wt%) alloys were investigated. The microstructure and precipitations of Mg–7Y– x Nd alloys were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry and X-ray Diffraction. The quantities of the Mg 12 (Y,Nd) phase increased, whereas that of the Mg 24 (Y,Nd) 5 phase decreased with increasing Nd-content. The weight loss rate decreased from 17.5020 mg cm −2  d −1 (36.7542 mm y −1 ) to 9.3744 mg cm −2  d −1 (19.6862 mm y −1 ). The electrochemical measurement also demonstrated the similar tendency. The loss in mechanical properties after corrosion reaction followed the order Mg–7Y–0.5Nd > Mg–7Y–1.0Nd > Mg–7Y–1.5Nd. The precipitations played dual roles in the corrosion resistance that depended on type and distribution.