Mg-4 Al-xNd（x=0

1

2

3） alloy samples were prepared by permanent mold casting. The microstructures and phase compositions were analyzed by optical metallographic microscope

scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Meanwhile

the tensile properties

hardness and thermal conductivity of the alloy prepared were tested. The results reveal that as-cast microstructure of Mg-4 Al alloy is mainly composed of α-Mg and β-Mg

17

Al

12

. After adding 1% Nd

acicular and dendritic Al

11

Nd

3

phase can be obserevd. After adding 2%～3% Nd

another granular new phase Al

2

Nd appears

meanwhile the amount of β-Mg

17

Al

12

phase is decreased to completely disappear. Addition of Nd can effectively improve the mechanical properties and thermal properties of Mg-4 Al alloy. Mg-4 Al-2 Nd alloy exhibits the acceptable comprehensive performance

whose tensile strength

elongation

vickers hardness and thermal conductivity reach up to 209 MPa

15.0% and 48.8 and 69.5 W/（m·K） at room temperature

with an increase by 9%

30%

6% and 13%

respectively

compared with those of Mg-4 Al alloy.