Solution treatedMgTb3Nd2 alloy (nominal composition inwt.%) (ST) and the alloy prepared by hot extrusion of isostatically pressed powder (PM) were isochronally heat treated and studied by electrical resistivity and hardness measurements and by differential scanning calorimetry. Microstructure development was investigated in transmission electron microscopy.
Powder metallurgy route does not change the values of activation energies but shifts the temperature ranges of these processes. Vickers hardness of the as prepared state is higher in the PM alloy and is very resistant against the heat treatment up to 510 oC.
Contrary to the ST alloy precipitation due to isochronal annealing does not lead to pronounced hardness changes in the PM alloy.