Simultaneously enhanced the strength and ductility in Mg17Al12 intermetallic compound with Ce addition

In order to simultaneously improve the ductility and strength of Mg17Al12 intermetallic compound, a novel Mg17Al12-3Ce alloy was fabricated by addition appropriate Ce. The added Ce refines grains and reduces the proportion of wetted grain boundaries. Compared with the Mg17Al12 compound, the compressive properties of Mg17Al12-3Ce alloy are dramatically enhanced. The ultimate compressive strength increases by 86.5% (from 192.1 MPa to 358.2 MPa) and the compressive strain increases by 33.1% (from 1.75% to 2.33%). The enhanced strength and ductility of the compound are primarily attributed to the refined grains and reduced wetting grain boundaries. Additionally, the precipitation of the Al11Ce3 phase within the Mg17Al12-3Ce alloy also contributes to the improvement of the strength.