Effect of Zn on the microstructure evolution of extruded Mg–3Nd (–Zn)–Zr (wt.%) alloys

This paper presents the results of a transmission electron microscopy study of the microstructure of extruded Mg–Nd–Zn alloys that exhibit improvement in strength, making them potential candidates for bumper beam applications. Three sets of extruded rods with 0%, 0.2% and 0.5% Zn addition are prepared to examine the effect of Zn on the precipitates in the as-extruded and aged condition. At least five different precipitate phases with different …