Effects of Sb on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-6Al-1.2Y-0.9Nd alloy

Effects of Sb on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-6Al-1.2Y-0.9Nd magnesium alloy were investigated by optical microscope,SEM and X-ray diffraction.The results show that,with the addition of 0.5%～2.0% Sb,the microstructure of the alloy after T6 treatment is refined,and dispersed RE-Sb phases with high melting point,which are mainly Sb_3Y_5 or YSb phase,forms preferentially.Tensile strength of the alloy at ambient and elevated temperature firstly increases,then decreases,finally increases again,and elongation firstly decreases,finally increases with the increase of Sb content.The fracture of the alloy is quasi-cleavage failure with plastic characteristics.