材料期刊网

Mg-10Gd-3Y-0.5Zr casting was subjected to friction stir processing (FSP) at a tool rotation rate of 800 rpm and a traverse speed of 50 mm/min. FSP resulted in the fundamental dissolution of the coarse network-like beta-Mg(5)(Gd,Y) phase and remarkable grain refinement (similar to 6.1 mu m), thereby significantly improving the strength and ductility of the casting. Post-FSP aging resulted in the precipitation of fine beta '' and beta' particles in a fine-grained magnesium matrix, producing an ultimate tensile strength of 439 MPa and a yield strength of 330 MPa. FSP combined with aging is a simple and effective approach to enhancing the mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Zr casting. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.