Aging kinetics and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Sm system alloys

The influence of samarium on age hardening and mechanical properties of Mg - 5.5 % Gd alloys is under study in the range of 0-6 wt. % Sm. It is shown that age hardening effect increases with samarium concentration, and maximal hardness shifts to the side of lesser holding time at heat. Samarium additions improve tensile properties of Mg - 5.5 % Gd alloy both at room and high temperatures. The enchancement of mechanical properties is shown to be due to formation of a samarium-containing magnesium base supersaturated solid solution and gadolinium dissolution in samarium-enriched phases which precipitate from this solid solution. 7 refs.; 5 figs