Effect of rare earth element Gd on the mechanical Properties of AZ91D alloy

Abstract

The magnesium alloys with rare earth element Gd were prepared by induction melting furnace. Influences of Gd on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91D were investigated. The results showed that addition of Gd to AZ91D alloy could refine the microstructure including primary α-Mg phase and eutectic β-Mg 17 Al 12 . The tensile properties were improved greatly with addition of Gd to AZ91D both at room temperature and elevated temperature. It was found that the excellent mechanical properties were obtained when the Gd content was 2 wt.%. Inaddition, the fracture morphologies indicated that the AZ91D has the characteristics of a brittle fracture.