Effect of Ca content and rheo-squeeze casting parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91−1Ce−xCa alloys

Abstract

The microstructure, mechanical properties and flame resistance behavior of the AZ91−1Ce alloys with different Ca additions were firstly investigated. Then, the effect of processing parameters, including applied pressures and rotation speeds, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the rheo-squeeze casting AZ91−1Ce−2Ca alloy was studied. The results indicate that with the increase of Ca content, the microstructure is refined and the flame resistance of the AZ91−1Ce−xCa alloys increases. But when the Ca content exceeds 1 wt.%, with the Ca content increasing, the mechanical properties of the AZ91−1Ce−xCa alloys reduce rapidly. For rheo-squeeze casting process, the increase of applied pressure and rotation speed can both bring about significant refinement in the microstructure of the AZ91−1Ce−2Ca alloy and reduction of the porosity, so the mechanical properties increase. Compared to conventional casting, the AZ91−1Ce alloy with the addition of 2 wt.% Ca by rheo-squeeze casting not only guarantees the oxidation resistance (801 °C), but also improves mechanical properties.