在本研究中，通过独特的组织设计，将开发出力学性能远远超过基准的高性能锌锂合金，如图1(a)所示。该合金的基本显微组织设计为主要是软 Zn 和硬 β-LiZn4 的共晶，因此在 Zn-Li 相的指导下，其标称成分选择为 Zn-0.44Li（4 at.% Li）左右 图1(b)。 然后，通过固相转变来强化Zn和增韧α-LiZn₄，旨在实现各相的高强度和高延展性的出色结合。 如图 1（b）所示，当温度从 403°C 的共晶反应温度下降到 100°C 时，Zn 在 β-LiZn₄ 中的溶解度从 92 at.% 下降到 88 at.%，从而使软 Zn 会从硬的 β-LiZn4 中沉淀出来。 它可以被称为二次 Zn 相，因为在 Li < 0.44 wt.% 的亚共晶 Zn-Li 合金的凝固过程中首先形成了初生 Zn 相。 相比之下，Li 在 Zn 中的溶解度从 1 at.% 降低到约 0 at.%，因此硬的 β-LiZn₄ 将从软的 Zn 中沉淀出来。 它可以称为双相沉淀。

The Zn-rich end of Zn-Li phase diagram with the region of eutectic reaction enlarged and crystal structures of Zn and β-LiZn4.The basic microstructure of the alloy is designed to be mainly the eutectic of soft Zn and hard β-LiZn₄, so that its nominal composition is chosen to be around Zn-0.44Li (4 at.% Li) as guided by Zn-Li phase diagram in Fig. 1(b). Then, solid phase transformation is used to strengthen Zn and toughen β-LiZn₄, aiming at achieving an outstanding combination of high strength and high ductility in each of the phases. As shown in Fig. 1(b), when temperature drops from the eutectic reaction temperature of 403◦C to 100◦C, the solubility of Zn in β-LiZn₄ decreases from 92 at.% to 88 at.%, so that soft Zn will precipitate from hard β-LiZn₄. It can be called as secondary Zn phase since primary Zn phase forms first during solidification of a hypoeutectic Zn-Li alloy with Li < 0.44 wt.%. In contrast, the solubility of Li in Zn decreases from 1 at.% to ∼0 at.%, so that hard β-LiZn₄ will precipitate from soft Zn. It can be called as dual-phase precipitation.