Improving and characterization of magnesium alloys containing cerium

Magnesium with its 1.74 g/cm3 density is the most attractive alternative when designing metallic parts for the purpose of weight reduction. Like any other metal, not in pure form but with it alloys it has already been in use, and furthermore presents itself as a candidate material for many applications such as automotive parts, aeoro – space components, sporting goods etc., being the most important structural metal of the near future. Magnesium and its alloys with their great anisotropic mechanical properties cannot be used successfully without alloying with appropriate elements. Selection of the alloying elements in this study was made based on the information gathered from the existing literature. In the study, effect of cerium on the properties of magnesium and magnesium alloys was examined. Alloys were produced in the controlled atmosphere furnace and thereafter, metallographic processes and tests were performed in order to get information about properties of obtained alloys. Particle size reduction effect of cerium on magnesium and alloys was observed. Consequences of this case, increased deformation capacity of magnesium alloys was provided.