Relationship between Laser Parameters - Microstructural Modification - Mechanical Properties of Laser Surface Melted Magnesium Alloy AZ91D

Abstract

Laser surface melting is a high-energy surface treatment that allows modification of the microstructure and surface properties of Mg alloys. In the present work, a high-power diode laser has been used to study the microstructural and mechanical modifications that occur when laser surface treatments are applied to the surface of the AZ91D Mg alloy. Laser-beam power in a range of 375-600 W and laser scanning speeds of 45-60-90 mms-1 has been used to develop a range of laser surface melting treatments. By controlling the laser parameters, two types of surface modifications can be obtained. Complete laser surface melting takes place at high laser input energies whilst at low laser input energies, selective laser surface melting occurs with modification of only one phase in the microstructure of the alloy; the other phase remained unaffected. In terms of mechanical properties, the microstructural modifications introduced by the laser surface treatment implied a hardness homogenization along the melted region.