The effect of Gd on the recrystallisation, texture and deformation behaviour of magnesium-based alloys

A series of binary magnesium-based alloys have been prepared with Gd concentrations between 0.22 and 4.65 wt.% Gd. These alloys were processed by hot rolling in order to refine the microstructure and examine the recrystallisation behaviour. The addition of small amounts of Gd was found to significantly decrease the recrystallised grain size and at higher alloy concentrations nucleation of recrystallisation became more strongly inhibited, but the growth rate remained largely unchanged. The effect of Gd concentration on solute strengthening was quantified and it was found that strengthening of the prismatic slip system above 100 MPa could be achieved through alloying with Gd. A fivefold increase in ductility also resulted from Gd addition, and this was attributed to changes in the recrystallisation texture.