Evolution of long-period stacking order structures on annealing as-cast Mg85Y9Zn6 alloy ingot observed by synchrotron radiation small-angle scattering

The nanostructure of Mg85Y9Zn6 ternary alloy ingot with long-period stacking ordered structure has been examined by synchrotron radiation small-angle X-ray scattering. The scattering patterns showed sharp reflections corresponding to large domains of 10H, 18R and 14H structures, with in-plane ordering. After annealing at 673 K, the peak intensity of 18R increased, and the diffraction peak corresponding to in-plane ordering sharpened. The domain size of in-plane ordering was much smaller than the domain thickness of 18R in the stacking direction. (c) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.