Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-0.6Zr alloys containing Er and Nd were investigated by optical microscope（OM）

scanning electron microscope（SEM）and energy spectrum analysis.The results reveal that mechanical properties of the Mg-0.6Zr alloy can be distinctly improved with Er and Nd addition as a result of grain refinement strengthening and solution strengthening.Grain size in microstructure of the alloy can be refined from 300 μm to 80 μm and 50 μm with Er or Nd addition.Tensile strength and elongation of the Mg-0.6Zr alloy with 0.94% Nd addition can be increased by 13.87% and 137.6%

respectively

with the slight change of yield strength

compared with those of matrix alloy

while those of the alloy with 1.09% Er addition can be increased by 11.16%

11.94% and 2.35%

respectively.Tensile strength of the alloy with mixed Er and Nd addition is equivalent to that of the alloy with Er addition

however

yield strength and elongation are somewhat declined.