Abstract
The present study was performed on Mg-based alloys containing Zn and Mn. The alloys were cast in a permanent metallic mold preheated to 200°C and with a protective atmosphere of dry air, CO2, and SF6. Two main phases are observed in the as-cast condition: Mg-Al-Zn and Mn-Al intermetallics. The size and morphology of the Mg-Al-Zn phase are significantly affected by the concentration of Al. Tensile properties, using standard ASTM B-108 samples, are directly related to the size, morphology, and density of the existing phase particles. The alloy ductility is reduced with increase in the Al concentration, whereas the ultimate tensile strength and the yield strength are more or less stable. The fracture surface of the tested tensile bars is mostly ductile for low Al-containing alloys and tends to be brittle with the increase in Al content as evidenced by an increase in the density of cleavage ruptured areas.
Highlights
Commercial Mg-based alloys normally contain 3–13% aluminum, 0.1–0.4% Mn, and 0.5–3% Zn
The standard deviation is less than 7% indicating the uniform distribution of this phase throughout the matrix regardless of the aluminum content
Based on the results obtained from this study, the following conclusions could be drawn: (1) Alloys containing a low aluminum content, less than 4%, are characterized by a low volume fraction of MgAl-Zn phase particles
Summary
Commercial Mg-based alloys normally contain 3–13% aluminum, 0.1–0.4% Mn, and 0.5–3% Zn. The influence of additives in commercially available magnesium alloys (AZ31, AM50) on their microstructure and mechanical properties has been investigated [6,7,8]. Yamashita et al [9] studied the mechanical properties of magnesium and its alloys subjected to heavy plastic deformation. Magnesium alloys may be considered for aeronautical applications due their high mechanical properties provided by a fine-grained structure [10]. High strength coupled with high ductility at room temperature is achieved by grain refinement. Fine-grained magnesiumbased materials exhibit superplastic behavior at high strain rates (≥10−1 s−1) or low temperatures (≤473 K). The present study was aimed at understanding the effect of increasing Al and Mn in Mg-based alloys on their microstructure and tensile properties. Fracture surfaces of selected tensile bars were examined to arrive at a better understanding of alloy failure mechanism
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