The microstructures of novel rare earth containing magnesium alloys are being controlled through heat treatments and characterised using SEM and TEM. These microstructures are then being correlated to mechanical properties including impact toughness and hardness, and corrosion rate in order to optimise the performance of these long period stacking ordered phase (LPSO) forming alloys.

Zirconium refinement and its’ effects on the phases formed is also being investigated and again correlated to mechanical and corrosion properties.