Effects of Ho on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Ho-Zr magnesium alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Ho-Zr alloys have been investigated in detail. The grain size of the as-cast Mg-Zn-Ho-Zr alloy was greatly decreased by the addition of Ho, and the grain growth during solution treatment was suppressed by Mg-Zn-Ho phases formed at grain boundaries. These thermally stable Mg-Zn-Ho phases could not completely dissolve into the matrix during solution treatment, and the strengthening effect of solution-plus-ageing treatment weakened. The addition of Ho can greatly enhance the high-temperature elongation of the Mg-Zn-Ho-Zr alloy, but the increase of high-temperature tensile strength was just a little.