Abstract: In a metallothermic process for reducing rare earth metal salts to produce pure rare earth metals and metal alloys, e.g. neodymium or neodymium/iron alloy for use in manufacturing neodymium/boron/iron permanent magnets, including adding pure metallic iron, such as iron flake, to a mixture of metal salt, such as neodymium chloride, and a reducing metal source, such as calcium/magnesium alloy, heating in a crucible in a preheated high temperature furnace with stirring to a temperature of 900 degrees C. under a flow of argon, separating the metal from the salt formed, and purifying the metal via distillation.

Abstract: A complex part composed of rapidly solidified magnesium base metal alloy is produced by superplastic forming at a temperature ranging from 160.degree. C. to 275.degree. C. and at a rate ranging from 0.00021 m/sec. to 0.00001 m/sec., to improve the formability thereof and allow forming to be conducted at lower temperatures. The rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy has a composition consisting essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium and yttrium, "a" range from 0 to about 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from 0 to about 4 atom percent and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Such an alloy contains fine grain size and finely dispersed magnesium-, aluminum- rare earth intermetallic phases.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy consists essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Second phase particles contained by the alloy are less susceptible to corrosion attack. Articles produced from the alloy have superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties comparable to those made from commercial magnesium alloys. Such articles are suitable for application as structural members in helicopters, air frames, such as gear box housings, where good corrosion resistance in combination with low density and good strength are required.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy contains finely dispersed magnesium intermetallic phases. The alloy has the form of a filament or a powder and is especially suited for consolidation into bulk shapes having superior combination of strength, ductility and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy contains finely dispersed magnesium intermetallic phases. The alloy has the form of a filament or a powder and is especially suited for consolidation into bulk shapes having superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Magnesium alloys for castings having good tensile properties at both ambient and high temperatures and good resistance to creep contain 1.5-10% of yttrium or an yttrium/heavy rare earths mixture and 1-6% of neodymium or a neodymium/lanthanum/praseodymium mixture. The alloys may be heat treated to improve their properties.