LAUSR

In this study, Mg-xLi (x = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5 wt%) alloys have been extruded to examine the role of Li content on microstructures and tensile properties. The results revealed that Li addition increased the grain size and led to the formation of the transverse direction (TD)-split texture. These were mainly attributed to the promoted DRX process and the increased activity of prismatic 〈a〉 slip during extrusion. Tensile tests revealed that the elongation of Mg-5Li sheet reached ~ 22.4% along the ED. Moreover, it exhibited a higher elongation of ~ 27.3%, three times than pure Mg, along the TD. During tension along the ED, with increasing Li content, more prismatic 〈a〉 slip and preferable intergranular strain coordination ability to accommodate the plastic strain, leading to the enhanced room-temperature ductility. In contrast, more basal 〈a〉 slips and extension twins were also activated along the TD, which further contributed to the enhanced ductility. Therefore, the ductility of Mg sheets at room temperature gradually improved with Li addition due to the combining effects of basal 〈a〉 slip, prismatic 〈a〉 slip, extension twin and preferable intergranular strain coordination ability.