Synthesis and mechanical properties of nanostructured Mg-Al-Nd alloys

In this work, nanostructured Mg-Al-Nd alloys were successfully fabricated using mechanical alloying method. Phase structures of the milled powders and the extruded rods were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the microstructures were observed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The element distributions were also examined by an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) system. The mechanical properties were estimated using tensile and impact tests. The fracture surfaces of the tensile and impact specimens were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the grain size of the Mg-Al-Nd alloys could be reduced to below 100 nm after 20~30 hours milling. The effects of alloy composition and processing conditions on strength and ductility were analyzed. The possible mechanisms of plastic deformation in these alloys were also proposed.