Asymmetrical precipitation on {10-12} twin boundary in magnesium alloy

Abstract: Precipitation on deformation defects is essential for enhancing mechanical properties of age-hardenable alloys. {10-12} twinning is common in deformed alloys with hexagonal-close-packed structure. In this work, we revealed how {10-12} twin boundary (TB) influences beta-Mg17Al12 precipitation in Mg-9Al-1Zn alloy. The precipitates on the TB are rod-like, while others are lath-shape. The precipitates hold the Burgers orientation relationship (OR) only with twin or matrix, contrary to traditional wisdom in others alloys that precipitates on TB symmetrically keep an OR with both twin and matrix. Moreover, certain precipitate variants are absent, and a new rule for variant selection on TB is proposed.