Crystallography of precipitates in Mg alloys

Crystallography of precipitates in Mg alloys is indispensable to explain and predict alloy microstructures and properties. In order to obtain a global understanding of diversified experimental results, a general theory of singular interface is introduced, which provides the physical base and calculation methodology for interpreting precipitate morphology and orientation relationship (OR), especially useful for understanding irrational facets and ORs. Guided by the theory, recent experimental findings are systematically summarized, including thermally stable and metastable precipitates with various crystal structures. Then, theoretical advances inspired by the findings are introduced, which deepens our understanding on OR selection and preference of irrational facets. At last, future research directions in this field are proposed. (C) 2020 Chongqing University. Publishing services provided by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.

Automated summary

Crystallography of precipitates in Mg alloys plays a crucial role in explaining and predicting alloy microstructures and properties. This study introduces a general theory of singular interface to interpret precipitate morphology and orientation relationship, summarizes recent experimental findings and theoretical advances, and proposes future research directions in this field.