Abstract
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal, and alloying with lithium makes it even lighter. However, multi-phase Mg-Li alloys typically undergo rapid corrosion, and their strength decreases at room temperature due to natural age-softening. Here, we engineer a rapidly degrading dual-phase Mg-Li-Al alloy to be durable via friction stir processing followed by liquid CO2 quenching. The best performing alloy has a low electrochemical degradation rate of 0.72 mg·cm−2· day−1, and high specific strength of 209 kN·m·kg−1. We attribute this electrochemical and mechanical durability to its microstructure, which consists of a refined grain size of approximately 2 µm and dense nanoprecipitates. This microstructure suppressed the formation of the detrimental AlLi phase, and an aluminium-rich protective surface layer also formed. This processing route might be useful for designing lightweight and durable engineering alloys.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.