Microstructure of as-cast experimental binary Mg-RE alloys

Microstructure analysis of as-cast experimental Mg-3%RE and Mg-8%RE alloys were carried out. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM+EDX) techniques were used to characterize investigated materials. Results show that the as-cast dendritic microstructure is characterized by lamellar eutectic of primary α phase and interdendritic phase. X-ray phase analyses allowed the identification of the rare earth elements-rich intermetallic compound in the alloys as Mg12RE.