Synergistic effect of work hardening and gadolinium on the microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of the ZM40 Mg alloy

In the present study, a high strength magnesium (Mg) alloy has been developed through gadolinium (Gd) addition and hot rolling. Five different Gd contents including 0.0, 0.4, 1.0, 1.58 and 4.0 wt.% were added to the ZM41 alloy. Microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of the designed alloys were studied using X-ray diffraction pattern, field emission scanning electron microscopy, tensile test and pole figures from X-ray diffraction and Electron Backscatter Diffraction. I, W, Mg 5 Gd, and Mg-Zn phases were detected in Gd containing alloys. Synergistic effects of these phases and hot rolling process led to grain refinement and second phase redistribution resulting in a high average yield strength of 252.5 ± 22.5 MPa in 1.58% hot rolled Gd-containing alloy and ultimate tensile strength of 360.0 ± 0.0 MPa in 1.0 % Gd-containing alloy. Moreover, the addition of Gd to the rolled alloys weakened the basal texture, leading to an increase in elongation to an average of 8.3% in the hot-rolled alloy containing 1.58% Gd.