AZ31 matrix composites reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were fabricated using hot-press sintering. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites (denoted as Mg-3wt.%Al-1wt.%Zn-xwt.%CNTs, x = 0-1.5) were investigated. The results showed that the elastic modulus, yield strength, tensile strength and elongation of the composites were significantly improved when compared with the matrix alloy AZ31. Of the tested composites Mg-3wt.%Al-1wt.%Zn-1.0wt.%CNTs exhibited the most favorable mechanical properties: compared with Mg-3wt.%Al-1wt.%Zn, the elastic modulus improved by 25.85%, yield strength increased by 23.48%, and tensile strength and elongation showed 19.35 and 48.23% improvement, respectively. The fracture surface of the Mg-3wt.%Al-1wt.%Zn-CNTs composites displayed features of brittle fracture, which suggests that CNTs do not markedly enhance the plasticity of AZ31.

Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) was carried out on AZ41 magnesium alloy. The interrelation between the silicate-alkaline electrolyte composition and the maximum duration of defect-free PEO modifying, thickness, through porosity, and electrochemical response of the formed coatings were studied. Effects of the two-stage PEO treatment and additives of KF, NaF, and ZrO2 nanoparticles in composition of silicate-alkaline electrolyte on the coatings characteristics were also investigated. Results show that the two-stage PEO treatment and the additions of 5 g/l KF and 2 g/l ZrO2 nanoparticles all have positive effect on decreasing of corrosion current density of PEO coated alloy. For the untreated AZ41 alloy, the corrosion current density was 8.00 ∙ 10− 1 A/m2. After PEO treatment, the minimum corrosion current density value of 1.0·10− 4 A/m2 was obtained.

Mg–5Li–3Al–2Zn alloys with the additions of Y and Nd were prepared using induction melting furnace under the atmosphere of pure argon; then they were extruded. The textures of the as-extruded alloys were analyzed by pole figures and electron backscatter diffraction. Results show that the addition of a small amount of Nd can weaken the basal texture. The further increase of Nd content has no corresponding further influence on texture. When a small amount of Y is used to replace Nd, the basal texture can be further weakened and the prismatic slip system can be further activated. In the alloy of Mg–5Li–3Al–2Zn–1.2Y–0.8Nd, the basal textures almost vanish.

Mg-5Li-1Al-0.5Y alloy was rolled with different directions. The microstructure, mechanical properties and texture of the specimens were investigated with optical microscope, tensile tester and X-ray diffraction. The results show that changing rolling directions can refine the grain size of as-rolled alloys. Meanwhile, rolling directions have an obvious influence on the mechanical properties and texture of Mg-5Li-1Al-0.5Y alloy, thus affecting the anisotropy of the alloy. The sheet, of which the RD (rolling direction) and ND (normal direction) are both changed between two passes, possesses the smallest anisotropy. From the texture results, changing rolling directions reduces the maximum pole density, making the highest point distribution region excursion and the highest point distributes more scatteredly.