An Mg–7.2Zn–1.5Cu–1.0Mn (wt-%) magnesium alloy was processed by extrusion and a subsequent solution heat treatment, followed by a two-step aging treatment, with the aim of achieving a high mechanical strength. Results show that a strong age-strengthening response was achieved in the alloy. Compared to the solution heat-treated sample, the increase in the yield strength (YS) of the aged sample was approximately 170 MPa, resulting in a high YS of approximately 370 MPa, which is much higher than that for most high rare-earth-containing Mg alloys. The enhanced age-strengthening response of the alloy is closely related to the high number density of nanoscale rod-shaped precipitates.
This paper is part of a thematic issue on Light Alloys.
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