Microstructure and mechanical properties of a sand-cast Mg–Nd–Zn alloy

Abstract

The microstructures and mechanical properties of a sand-cast Mg–Nd–Zn alloy in the as-cast, solution-treated and peak-aged conditions were investigated. The as-cast alloy was comprised of α magnesium matrix and Mg12Nd eutectic compounds. The eutectic compounds dissolved into the matrix and small Zr-containing particles precipitated at grain interiors, due to the solution treatment. After the solution treatment, two kinds of cooling manner, either cooling in air or quenching in water, were employed. It was worth noting that some basal precipitates formed in the matrix during the in-air cooling process after solution treatment, which led to the succedent weak ageing hardening response and low strength in peak-aged condition. The hardness, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation at room temperature, of the samples in the T61 condition, were HV81, 191MPa, 258MPa and 4.2%, respectively. When tensile tested at high temperature, they exhibited serrated flow. Moreover, the casting surface of the tensile testing bar also had a great influence on its mechanical properties.