Current progress on solute segregation at interfaces in Mg alloys

Solute segregation at interfaces has emerged as a pivotal microstructural design strategy for enhancing the mechanical properties and thermal stability of magnesium (Mg) alloys. This review synthesizes recent advances in atomic-scale investigations on segregation at interfaces, including twin boundaries, coaxial grain boundaries, stacking faults and phase boundaries in Mg alloys. It elaborates characteristic interfacial configurations and their corresponding segregation behaviors while revealing the underlying fundamental mechanisms. Furthermore, the effects of solute segregation on grain refinement, texture control, strength-ductility synergy, and thermal stability are thoroughly discussed. Current challenges in both fundamental research and industrial implementation of grain boundary segregation engineering in magnesium alloys are critically examined. This review delivers actionable insights to guide future researches on developing high-performance Mg alloys through grain boundary segregation engineering.