Aging behavior of YAl_2p/Mg-14Li-1Al composite

YAl_2p/Mg-14Li-1Al composite was made by a stir-casting technique. The aging behavior of the composite was investigated using hardness test, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the microhardness variations of both the matrix alloy and its composite are related to the precipitation and decomposition of θ-MgLi₂Al phase. The strengthening of the composite is from the addition of YAl₂ particulates and the precipitation in matrix alloy. The former contribution is stable, but the latter is unstable and depends on the aging behavior. The addition of YAl₂ particulates delays occurring of the aging behavior of composite.