Microstructure of as-cast Mg-Y-RE-Zr magnesium alloy

Microstructure analyses of as-cast Mg - 4.0 wt.% Y - 3.3 wt.% RE - 0.5 wt.% Zr alloy were carried out. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM+EDX) techniques were used to characterize the investigated material. Results show that the as-cast dendritic microstructure is characterised by lamellar eutectic of primary α phase and interdendritic phasc Mg-Nd-Y type. Additionally, "quadratic" yttrium-rich precipitates were revealed.