Ignition-proof mechanism of ZM5 magnesium alloy added with rare earth

The ignition-proof mechanism of ZM5 magnesium alloy added with 0.1% (mass fraction) rare earth (RE) was investigated. The oxide scales and substrates were characterized by scanning electronic microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and tensile test. And an oxidation model of ZM5 alloy with RE was established. The results show that the ignition temperature of ZM5 alloy is particularly elevated from 654 to 823 degrees C, the microstructure is refined, and the tensile strength is slightly improved from 168.2 to 174.6 MPa by adding 0.1% RE. A double-layer oxidation film formed on the alloy surface under high temperature mainly consists of MgO, RE2O3 and Al2O3, which is 2.5-3.5 mu m in thickness. It is found that the forming of protective oxidation film on the thermodynamics is attributed to RE elements congregating on the surface of molten Mg alloy.