The corrosion behavior and mechanical property of the Mg–7Y–xNd ternary alloys

The corrosion behavior and mechanical property of Mg–7Y–xNd (x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 wt%) alloys were investigated. The microstructure and precipitations of Mg–7Y–xNd alloys were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry and X-ray Diffraction. The quantities of the Mg12(Y,Nd) phase increased, whereas that of the Mg24(Y,Nd)5 phase decreased with increasing Nd-content. The weight loss rate decreased from 17.5020 mg cm−2 d−1 (36.7542 mm y−1) to 9.3744 mg cm−2 d−1 (19.6862 mm y−1). The electrochemical measurement also demonstrated the similar tendency. The loss in mechanical properties after corrosion reaction followed the order Mg–7Y–0.5Nd > Mg–7Y–1.0Nd > Mg–7Y–1.5Nd. The precipitations played dual roles in the corrosion resistance that depended on type and distribution.