Microstructure, electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Cu–Zr alloys

Abstract

The microstructure, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–xCu–Zr alloys (x = 0–2.32 wt.%) were investigated in this study. The results indicated that the addition of Cu led to the formation of MgZnCu phase with a face-center cubic structure, and resulted in grain refinement. EMI SE increased significantly with increasing Cu content in extruded state. The alloy with 2.32 wt.% Cu exhibited optimal EMI shielding capacity with SE value of 84–117 dB. Meanwhile, it was found that good mechanical properties could be achieved by adding low Cu content. The extruded alloy with 0.37 wt.% Cu presented higher yield strength (276 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (346 MPa) and elongation (δ = 11.4%) compared with other extruded alloys. However, a higher Cu content would substantially deteriorate tensile properties of the alloys. Based on microstructure observation, the variation of EMI shielding capacity and mechanical properties have been discussed.