Abstract
Grain refinement is a well documented method to increase the mechanical properties of Mg alloys. This study is an ongoing quest towards improving Mg grain refinement, with cost effective approach. In this research, the influence of ZnO on the microstructure and mechanical properties of permanent mold cast AZ91E Mg alloy was investigated. With an addition of 0.5 wt.% ZnO, the average grain size of the alloy decreased from 133 μm to 79 μm. The maximum yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation obtained were 15%, 15% and 80% respectively greater than that of the base alloy at different addition levels of ZnO. Cleavage type fracture was dominant in the base alloy while alloys refined with 0.5 wt.% ZnO showed more quasi-cleavage type fracture. With 3 wt.% ZnO addition, the Rockwell hardness and Vicker’s microhardness increased 14% and 24% respectively compared to the unrefined alloy
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