Effect of Cerium and Erbium on the Aging Kinetics and the Properties of an IMV7-1 Alloy of the Mg–Y–Gd–Zr System

Abstract

The effect of additional alloying of an IMV-7 alloy of the Mg–Y–Gd–Zr system with other rare-earth metals, in particular, cerium and erbium, is studied. The hardness and the electrical resistivity of the alloys, which characterize the kinetics of supersaturated solid solution decomposition upon aging at 200°C, are presented. The hardness and the mechanical properties of the alloys at high temperatures (250, 300°C) are measured. The microstructure of the alloys after heat treatment is examined. Cerium in the content range under study is found to exert no effect on the properties of alloys, such as IMV7-1, whereas erbium is undesirable and can decrease their hardening upon aging.