Paper Title
Effect of Cerium Addition on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloys

Abstract
Magnesium alloys have become more popular owing to its light weight structure. However, magnesium and its alloys cannot be used successfully without alloying with appropriate elements due to their anisotropic mechanical properties. In this work, the effect of cerium on the physical and mechanical properties of magnesium and magnesium alloys was investigated. Hardness and tensile test were performed to reveal their mechanical properties. Among the alloys studied, the most abundant alloy system was identified as Mg-Zn-Ce in terms of intermetallic precipitates, which was observed at grain boundaries. This intermetallic compound has improved mechanical properties of magnesium alloy particularly in Mg-Zn-Ce alloy system. Keywords: Magnesium, magnesium alloy, microstructure, tensile test, cerium.