Work

From slip resistance control to on-demand tuning of strength and ductility through solute engineering in Mg–Mn-X solid solutions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The understanding of synergistic solid-solution strengthening and ductilizing (SSSD) effects in Mg-Mn-based alloys remains limited, hindering the on-demand tuning of strength and ductility. In this study, first-principles calculations combined with the Peierls-Nabarro (P-N) model were employed to systematically investigate the role of non-rare-earth solutes (Zn, Sn, Ca, and Li) in regulating dislocation slip behavior in Mg-Mn-X alloys. The results demonstrate that all selected solutes promote pyramidal slip by reducing the slip resistance gap relative to basal slip, while Ca and Li activate prismatic slip, and Zn and Sn strengthen the alloys by increasing basal slip resistance. Further analyses indicated that the reduction in stacking fault energy (SFE) in Mg-Mn-Ca is dominated by lattice distortion, whereas SFE in Mg-Mn-Zn is primarily governed by charge redistribution effects. Experimental validation on representative Ca- and Zn-containing alloys was consistent with the theoretical predictions, showing a 110% increase in ductility with Ca addition and a 20% increase in strength with Zn addition. Slip trace analysis and double-beam TEM observations further confirmed the corresponding activation of the slip systems. These findings provide guidelines for designing high performance Mg-Mn based materials through optimized solute selection, enabling the on-demand tuning of strength and ductility.

Source: Journal of Materials Research and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2026.05.056

Authors: Lianjuan Tian, Xuerui Jing, Xiong Wu, Jia She, Aitao Tang

Institution: Chongqing University

Language: English

Topic: Magnesium Alloys: Properties and Applications

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,640

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China