Some new characteristics of the strengthening phase in β-phase magnesium–lithium alloys containing aluminum and beryllium

Hardness, optical-microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies on the strengthening phase in β-phase magnesium–lithium alloys containing different content of aluminum were carried out to give some new characteristics of the strengthening phase affecting lattice distortion and α-Mg precipitation in the β-matrix. In the presence of the strengthening-phase precipitates, the matrix lattice undergoes substantial strain characterized by peak broadening. The peak width in the β-matrix phase pattern can provide an indication of lattice strain caused by the strengthening-phase precipitates. The origin of α-Mg precipitation resulting from the decomposition of the strengthening phase into stable AlLi compound is also explained in the present work.