Mechanistic origin and prediction of enhanced ductility in magnesium alloys

Zhaoxuan Wu, Rasool Ahmad, Binglun Yin, Stefanie Sandlöbes, W. A. Curtin*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

570 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Pure magnesium exhibits poor ductility owing to pyramidal {c + a} dislocation transformations to immobile structures, making this lowest-density structural metal unusable for many applications where it could enhance energy efficiency. We show why magnesium can be made ductile by specific dilute solute additions, which increase the {c + a} cross-slip and multiplication rates to levels much faster than the deleterious {c + a} transformation, enabling both favorable texture during processing and continued plastic straining during deformation. A quantitative theory establishes the conditions for ductility as a function of alloy composition in very good agreement with experiments on many existing magnesium alloys, and the solute-enhanced cross-slip mechanism is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy observations in magnesium-yttrium. The mechanistic theory can quickly screen for alloy compositions favoring conditions for high ductility and may help in the development of high-formability magnesium alloys.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberA36
JournalScience
Volume359
Issue number6374
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Jan 2018
Externally publishedYes

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