Tensile properties of extruded ZK60–RE alloys

ZK60–RE alloys were made by melting ZK60 alloy and cerium-rich rare earth (RE) metal in an electric furnace. The content of RE is 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3 wt.% RE, respectively. The influence of RE on microstructure and tensile mechanical properties of ZK60 magnesium alloys was studied. The results showed that cerium-rich misch metal (MM) had an obvious effect of reducing the grain size of the as-extruded ZK60 alloys. The ultimate and yield strengths of extruded ZK60–RE alloys were improved by the addition of RE. The ultimate and yield strength increased with increasing RE content in the range investigated. It is also found that the ultimate strength and yield strength decrease with increasing extrusion temperature. The improvement of tensile properties of ZK60–RE alloys was due to the extrusion texture and the fine microstructure induced by RE additions.