LAUSR

Abstract The effect of samarium (Sm) addition on the microstructure, mechanical performance and corrosion behavior of extruded AZ41-xSm (x = 0%, 1%, 2% and 3%) alloys has been investigated by using optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffusion (XRD), scanning electronic microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), tensile testing, hydrogen evolved and electrochemical tests. It is observed that Sm alloyed AZ41 alloys consist of α-Mg substrate, β-Mg17Al12 and Al2Sm intermetallic. The β-phase is gradually inhibited with increasing Sm content. The tensile testing result shows that the appropriate amount of Sm addition slightly enhances the mechanical strength. 2Sm alloyed alloy (AZ41-2Sm) displays optimal tensile properties, with a yield tensile strength (YTS) of 216.4 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 295.9 MPa and elongation (EL) of 15.9%, which is the result of second phase strengthening. The addition of Sm significantly improved the corrosion resistance of AZ41 alloy. The AZ41-1Sm alloy exhibits the best corrosion resistance properties with a corrosion rate about one-half that of the AZ41 alloy based on the hydrogen evolved and electrochemical test.