Roles of micro-alloyed Y and Gd in improving the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of pure Mg

The microstructure, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of extruded pure Mg, Mg-2Y and Mg-2Gd were studied by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), scanning probe microscope (SPM), immersion test, electrochemical test and tensile test. The results demonstrated that Mg-2Y and Mg-2Gd were composed of Mg, Mg 24 Y 5 , and Mg 5 Gd phases with the addition of Y and Gd. The addition of Y and Gd to pure Mg noticeably reduced the grain size and textural strength of the alloy. Mg-2Gd alloy had the smallest grain size and the lowest textural strength. The corrosion rate of Mg-2Gd was the slowest due to the influence of grain size. Y slowed the corrosion of pure Mg in the early stages due to the grain refinement, but speeded up the corrosion because of the galvanic corrosion produced by the precipitation of the second phase in the latter stages. The elongation of pure Mg, Mg-2Y, and Mg-2Gd were 16.5%, 38.67%, and 48.67%, respectively. The inclusion of Y and Gd refined the grain, softened the texture strength, and activated basal slip, which improved the elasticity of alloys. Gd was more significant than Y in improving the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of pure Mg.