Effects of RE elements Y and Nd on microstructure and mechanical properties of aged Mg-5Al alloy were investigated based on microstructural analysis and mechanical testing. It is found that with trace Y or Nd addition

Al2Y or Al2Nd particle or rod and acicular Al2Nd can be observed in the alloy

which results in the decrease and fine dispersed distribution of Mg17Al12 phase. In addition

grain size in Mg-5Al alloy can be refined from 104.5 μm to 86.1 μm

83.5 μm and 78.6 μm

respectively

with 0.5% Y or 0.5% Nd or 0.5%Y and 0.5%Nd mixed addition. WithY or Nd addition

tensile strength and elongation of the alloy are improved

in which desirable tensile strength and elongation of the alloy

225.2MPa and 13.92%

respectively

can be measured with 0.5%Y and 0.5%Nd mixed addition.