Microstructure and mechanical properties of an Mg-4.0Sm-1.0Ca alloy during thermomechanical treatment

The microstructure and mechanical properties of an as-cast Mg-4.0Sm-1.0Ca alloy were investigated during thermomechanical treatments consisting of hot extrusion, rolling, and aging at 473 K. Mg41Sm5 phases containing Ca and needle-like Mg2Ca phases formed in the Mg matrix, and the average grain size and elongation were 4.2 mu m and 27%, respectively, after hot extrusion, which implied an increase in ductility. In addition, after the rolling, the grain size was further refined, and the tensile strength increased to 293 MPa. A new precipitate Mg3Sm was found in the peak-aged Mg-4.0Sm-1.0Ca alloy and this alloy displayed the best mechanical properties, with a peak hardness of 83 HV and ultimate tensile strength of 313 MPa; these properties were attributed to grain refinement strengthening, solid solution strengthening, work hardening, and precipitation strengthening.