Microstructure and Properties of LPSO Phase Reinforced Mg Alloy Produced by Rheocasting

Abstract

The long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase reinforced Mg alloys have received many researches in recent years because of their excellent mechanical properties. However, the LPSO phase usually concentrates at the grain boundaries with a coarse network structure, which seriously deteriorates its strengthening effect. In this research, rheocasting and ultrasonic vibration (USV) process were firstly used to refine the LPSO phase in Mg alloy. The semisolid slurry of Mg96.9Y2Zn1Zr0.1 (at.%) alloy was prepared by USV and then formed by rheo-squeeze casting (RSC). The effects of USV and squeeze pressure on the microstructure and mechanical properties of this Mg alloy were investigated. The results show that the primary α-Mg and coarse LPSO phases were refined obviously by USV and RSC. The tensile strength and elongation of the RSC Mg96.9Y2Zn1Zr0.1 alloy were 232 MPa and 17.7% respectively, which were increased by 17.8% and 172.3% respectively compared to the conventional liquid casting alloy. The refinement mechanism of the LPSO phase in semisolid Mg alloy is also discussed.