The rare earth element Ce was added in Mg-2.0Zn-1.0Mn magnesium alloys. And the homogenizing treatment and the extrusion deformation tests for the alloy were carried out. The effects of the Ce addition and homogenization on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-2.0Zn-1.0Mn magnesium alloys were studied in the present investigation. The results showed that the addition of Ce can effectively refine the grain size of ZM21 alloy, improve the mechanical properties of magnesium alloy ZM21 and reduce the latent heat and solidification temperature range of the alloy. Homogenizing annealing treatment slightly affected the microstructure and mechanical properties of ZM21 alloy extrusion products but significantly affected the ZM21+Ce magnesium alloy. The fracture analysis indicated that the fracture of the two alloys was mixed fracture, while the fracture of magnesium alloy ZM21+Ce showed more ductile fracture feature.
A Review: Effect of Friction Stir Welding on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloys