Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 September 2017
Magnesium alloys with the lowest structural density exhibit unique applications in the automotive and aerospace fields. Rare earth addition is a promising method to enhance the mechanical properties of the Mg alloys. In the present study, the magnesium–aluminium (Mg–9Al) alloy containing varying wt% of gadolinium (Gd) is synthesized using the casting technique. The microstructure, mechanical, corrosion, and wear properties of the developed Mg–9Al–xGd alloy are evaluated and compared to the base Mg–9Al alloy. Microstructural investigation shows significant grain refinement and the presence of Al2Gd in addition to β-Mg17Al12 in the Gd-added alloys. Under tensile loads, the developed Mg–9Al–2Gd alloy exhibits enhancements in ultimate and yield strengths. The corrosion resistance of the alloys is found to increase with increasing Gd content and is optimal at 2 wt%. Considering the higher hardness and dispersity of the Al2Gd phase, Mg–9Al–2Gd has exhibited a higher wear resistance than that of the as-cast Mg–9Al alloy.
Contributing Editor: Amit Bandyopadhyay