Characterization of Mg-Zn Layered Bulk Materials Prepared by Powder Metallurgy Method

Abstract

In this study three-layered materials composed of one zinc layer between two magnesium layers were prepared. Diffusion at the Mg-Zn boundary leads to the formation of thermodynamically more stable, yet mechanically very brittle intermetallic phase. Homogenous distribution of the fine-grained MgZn2 intermetallic phase in magnesium or zinc alloys has a positive effect on strength of these alloys. In a form of continuous thick layer stretching throughout the whole material, the phase may leads to deterioration of mechanical properties. However, the mechanism of fracture has not yet been sufficiently described. The Mg based materials with one layer of Zn were investigated in terms of chemical composition and mechanical properties and fractographic evaluation. The materials with 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm thick layer of Zn were processed via bidirectional hot pressing method at 300 °C and 500 MPa. The phase and chemical composition of prepared materials was characterized by XRD and SEM-EDS methods. The mechanical properties were evaluated based on the results of three-point bend test and fractographic analysis of fracture surface. The results showed formation of MgZn2 intermetallic phase on the interface of Mg and Zn layers and solid solution of Zn in Mg. The results showed that the presence of Zn layer leads to improvement of mechanical properties when compared to pure Mg prepared at the same condition. The strengthening effect of solid solution and intermetallic phase may be the reason of the increase of flexural strength.