Abstract:LA141-(0−1.2)Ce alloys were prepared with vacuum induction melting method. The effects of Ce addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of LA141 alloys were studied. The microstructure and phases composition of these alloys were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry.  The mechanical properties of these alloys were measured with tensile tester. The results show that Ce has refining effect on the alloys. In the alloys, some Al₂Ce compounds exist, which make the Al content dissolved in α and β phases decrease and the hard brittle Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase refined. The refining effect improves the mechanical properties of alloys. When Ce content is 0.9%(mass fraction), the tensile strength reaches 206.8 MPa and the elongation is two times as high as that of LA141 alloy. Due to the generation of Al₂Ce, the content of Al solid soluted in β phase decreases resulting in the decrease of alloy hardness with the addition of Ce.

Key words: LA141 alloy; cerium; grain refinement; mechanical property