Microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of Mg–9Li–3Al–1.6Y alloy

Mg–9Li–3Al–1.6Y alloys were prepared through mixture method. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of the as‐cast and as‐extruded alloys were studied by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical properties testing, and electrochemical measurement. The as‐cast Mg–9Li–3Al–1.6Y alloy with the average grain size of 325 μm is composed of β‐Li matrix, block α‐Mg, and granule Al 2 Y phases. After extrusion, the grain size of the as‐cast alloy is obviously refined and reaches to 75 μm; the strength and elongation of the extruded alloy are enhanced by 17.20 % and 49.45 %, respectively, owing to their fine microstructure and reduction of casting defects. The as‐extruded alloy shows better corrosion resistance compared to the as‐cast one, which may be related to the low stored energy and dislocation density in the extruded alloy, also the homogenization treatment before extrusion.