Microstructures, mechanical properties and compressive creep behaviors of as-cast Mg-5%Sn-(0–1.0)%Pb alloys

Abstract

The microstructures, tensile properties and compressive creep behaviors of Mg-5%Sn-(0–1.0)%Pb (mass fraction) alloys were studied. The microstructures of the Mg-Sn-Pb alloys consist of dendritic α-Mg and Mg2Sn phase. The addition of Pb can refine the size of Mg2Sn phase and grain size, reduce the amount of Mg2Sn phase at grain or inter-dendrite boundaries and change the distribution of Mg2Sn phase. Pb exists in the Mg2Sn phase or dissolves in α-Mg matrix. The mechanical properties of the tested alloys at room temperature are improved with the addition of Pb. When the Pb content is over 0.5%, the mechanical properties are decreased gradually. The Mg-5%Sn-0.5%Pb shows the best ultimate tensile strength and elongation, 174 MPa and 14.3%, respectively. However, the compressive creep resistance of the Mg-Sn-Pb alloys is much lower than that of the Mg-Sn binary alloy at 175 °C with applied load of 55 MPa, which means that Pb has negative effects on the compressive creep resistance of the as-cast Mg-Sn alloys.