LAUSR

As-cast, as-extruded and T6 heat-treated Mg-2Zn-0.3Mn-[ x ] wt.% Y ( x  = 0, 0.4, 0.8) alloys were formed via a melting process, an extrusion process and T6 aging treatment, respectively. Microstructural analysis showed that the addition of yttrium (Y) resulted in grain refinement in the samples. The hot extrusion process and T6 heat treatment contributed to the precipitation of second phases and a reduction of the dislocation density as well as to a reduction of the lattice distortion. The thermal conductivity of the T6 heat-treated samples was the highest because it had the lowest lattice distortion. A higher Y content did not result in increased thermal conductivity. However, the yield strength and tensile strength of the alloys increased with increasing Y content. Fine-grain strengthening and dispersion strengthening were responsible for the higher yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the as-extruded and T6 heat-treated samples.