A contribution to the magnesium intermetallic chemistry: Dysprosium-magnesium system

The general alloying behaviour of magnesium is shortly recalled and the data relevant to the Mg-rare earth alloys are summarized and discussed. Results obtained in experimental investigations of the Mg-Dy system are then reported. Four intermetallic compounds have been found to exist: DyMg (peritectic decomposition 860deg C), DyMg2 (peritectic decomposition 710deg C), DyMg3 (peritectoidal decomposition 520deg C) and Dy5Mg24 (peritectic decomposition 600deg C). An eutectic point occurs at 90.5 at.% Mg and 560deg C. An eutectoidal reaction is observed at 30 at.% Mg and 690deg C. Finally the general properties of the Mg-Dy alloys are compared with those of the other magnesium-rare earth alloys. (orig.)