Zn Alloy Research Articles

Effect of Mg content on the microstructure, texture, and mechanical performance of hypoeutectic extruded Zn-Mg alloys

The effect of Mg addition on the microstructure, texture, and mechanical performance of two hypoeutectic Zn-Mg alloys with 0.68 and 1.89 wt% Mg content was studied and compared to pure Zn after extrusion. The SEM/EDX, EBSD, and XRD investigations were carried out to study the effect of alloying on (1) phases’ composition, morphology, and size and (2) crystallography of the grains and the dominating slip systems. Through the mentioned investigations, hypothesized strengthening mechanisms could be estimated to identify the contribution of solid solution, grain boundary, secondary phase, dislocation, and texture rations of strengthening to improve the overall calculated yield strength. Uniaxial tensile testing was performed to evaluate the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), the yield tensile strength (YTS0.2 %), and the elongation to failure (Ef) of the pure and alloyed Zn and to compare the yield tensile strength with the computed ones. The combined impacts of the bimodal grains, the solubility of Mg, favorable morphology and distribution of secondary phase, and weakened bimodal basal texture with simultaneous twin-non basal slip mode deformation mechanisms resulted in an extraordinary strength-ductility synergy of the as extruded Zn-0.68Mg alloy (∼326 MPa and ∼16 %). The current research provides a new pathway for designing high-performance Zn-based alloys as an alternative load-bearing material for orthopedic implant applications.

Effects of LPSO Mg12YZn-Phase on Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and Mechanical Properties of Mg–Y–Zn Alloys

Effects of LPSO Mg12YZn-Phase on Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and Mechanical Properties of Mg–Y–Zn Alloys

An in vitro and in vivo study of biodegradable Zn–Cu–Li alloy with high strength and ductility fabricated by hot extrusion combined with room-temperature ECAP

Deformation processing is a commonly used strategy to improve the microstructure and hence mechanical properties of biodegradable Zn alloys. However, a single conventional processing method is usually limited in achieving this goal. In this work, hot extrusion combined with room-temperature equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was used to fabricate biodegradable Zn–Cu–Li alloy. Compared to the hot-extruded alloy, the further ECAPed alloys have significantly finer Zn grains and precipitate more submicron- and nano-sized ε-CuZn4 particles. Moreover, the 4-pass as-ECAPed alloy exhibits the best comprehensive mechanical properties with yield strength of 315 ± 3 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 444 ± 13 MPa and elongation of 81 ± 5%, which are 13.3%, 38.8% and 72.3% higher than those of the hot-extruded alloy, respectively. In addition, in vitro and in vivo tests were performed on the 4-pass as-ECAPed alloy to evaluate its corrosion behavior, antibacterial property, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. In vitro results showed that the 4-pass as-ECAPed alloy exhibits better corrosion resistance than the 8-pass alloy. Also, it shows good antibacterial property, hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. In vivo results demonstrated that the 4-pass as-ECAPed alloy exhibits faster and more uniform degradation than the pure Zn (as a control group). Both the pure Zn and 4-pass as-ECAPed alloy promote formation of new bone, the mass of which increases over time. The 4-pass as-ECAPed alloy shows slightly weaker osteogenic capacity but better overall osteointegration than the pure Zn. Furthermore, both the pure Zn and 4-pass as-ECAPed alloy exhibit good in vivo biosafety.

Experimental investigation of FSW induced property changes in welded dissimilar Mg–Al–Zn alloys

Intense plastic deformation and intermixing during friction stir welding of dissimilar alloys may suppress the properties in welded zone. To suitably control these changes, careful study is required. Present research investigates microstructure, mechanical performance and corrosion behaviour at different rotational speeds in friction stir welded dissimilar AZ31–AZ91 Mg alloys. Very small cracks were present in welded zone due to formation of magnesium oxide (MgO). The EBSD analysis suggest more concentrated fibre texture at 1000 rpm tool rotational speed as compared to 700 rpm tool rotational speed in welded zone and the texture maximum intensity was 39.447 times of random distribution at tool rotational speed of 1000 rpm. The obtained maximum microhardness was 82 Hv at tool rotational speed of 700 rpm. The maximum values of tensile strength (234.86 ± 7.77 MPa) and flexural strength (350.89 ± 17.67 MPa) of welded samples were decreased as compared to base materials. The corrosion rate of welded samples was increased and corroded surface have some pits and corroded rings. The highest corrosion rate (2.1596 mm / year ) was obtained at 700 rpm. This experimental work suggests that in overall, sample welded at 1000 rpm tool rotational speed has better weld property.

Developing high elongation of Ca-containing Zn alloys with superior osteogenic and antibacterial properties

The development of high-strength zinc (Zn) alloys significantly contributes to the field of orthopedics by enhancing their osteogenic properties. Calcium (Ca) is pivotal for bone composition; however, its incorporation into the Zn matrix often hampers elongation due to the formation of large-sized CaZn13 phases. In this study, two Zn alloys with different Ca contents were prepared, and their microstructures, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and biocompatibility were investigated. Results indicate that the Zn alloy with high Ca content exhibits large-sized and high-volume-fraction CaZn13 phases, which do not significantly change during equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The grain sizes of ECAPed Zn alloys decreased from 36.75 μm and 35.81 μm of as-cast state to 4.32 μm and 1.71 μm, respectively. Refined microstructures contributed to the improvement of mechanical properties of Zn alloys, which have elongation over 15 % higher than that of all Zn-Mg-Ca alloys reported so far. The high elongation of Zn alloys originates from the inhibition of the propagation of microcracks which generated from the Zn/CaZn13 interphase. Moreover, the formation of large-sized CaZn13 phases leads to the severe local corrosion through enhancing galvanic effect, finally increasing corrosion rate. During degradation, the release of metallic ions, such as Zn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, are beneficial to the cell viability and osteogenic properties. And the accelerated release of Zn2+ plays a role in antibacterial performance. These results are very helpful for promoting the application of biodegradable Zn alloys in the field of orthopedics.

Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, Degradation Behavior, and Biocompatibility of Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Fe and Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Mg Guided Bone Regeneration Barrier Membranes Prepared Using a Powder Metallurgy Method.

Pure zinc exhibits low mechanical properties, making it unsuitable for use in guided bone regeneration (GBR) membranes. The present study focused on the preparation of Zn alloy GBR films using powder metallurgy, resulting in Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Fe and Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Mg alloy GBR films. The tensile strength of the pure Zn GBR film measured 85.9 MPa, while an elongation at break was 13.5%. In contrast, Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Fe and Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Mg alloy GBR films demonstrated significantly higher tensile strengths of 145.3 and 164.4 MPa, respectively, whereas elongations at break were 30.2% and 19.3%. The addition of Ti, Fe, and Mg substantially enhanced the mechanical properties of the zinc alloys. Corrosion analysis revealed that Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Fe and Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Mg alloy GBR membranes exhibited corrosion potentials of -1.298 and -1.316 V, respectively, with corresponding corrosion current densities of 12.11 and 13.32 μA/cm2. These values were translated to corrosion rates of 0.181 and 0.199 mm/year, indicating faster corrosion rates compared to pure Zn GBR membranes, which displayed a corrosion rate of 0.108 mm/year. Notably, both Zn-based alloy GBR membranes demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility, with a cytotoxicity rating of 0-1 in 25% leachate. Additionally, these membranes exhibited favorable osteogenic ability, as evidenced by the quantitative bone volume/tissue volume ratios (BV/TV) of new bone formation, which reached 30.3 ± 1.4% and 65.5 ± 1.8% for the Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Fe and Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Mg alloy GBR membranes, respectively, after 12 weeks of implantation. These results highlighted the significant potential for facilitating new bone growth. The proposed Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Fe and Zn-0.5Ti-0.5Mg alloy GBR membranes showed promise as viable biodegradable materials for future clinical studies.

Study on tensile behavior at various temperatures of the Mg-7Gd-5Y-1Nd-2Zn-0.5Zr alloy

Mg-rare earth (RE)-Zn alloys with long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) structure show excellent room temperature, elevated temperature mechanical properties. In this work, microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-7Gd-5Y-1Nd-2Zn-0.5Zr (wt%) alloy after tensile deformation at various temperatures (room temperature (RT), 250 °C and 300 °C) were investigated. The pre-precipitated alloy exhibited tensile yield strength (TYS) of 149 MPa at room temperature, while it maintained relatively high TYS at 250 °C (154 MPa) and 300 ℃ (123 MPa). The microstructural characterizations revealed that such outstanding heat resistance is mainly attributed to the blocky LPSO structure near the grain boundary; basal plate-like precipitates, twins and kink bands inside the grain. The blocky LPSO structure exhibits a coherent boundary with one α-Mg grain, while being incoherent with other α-Mg grains or the LPSO structure. Cracks primarily occured along the incoherent interface. Basal plate-like precipitates formed during elevated temperature tensile deformation included GP zones, γ', metastable LPSO building blocks, and fine 14H-LPSO structure. A probable γ-precipitation sequence is supersaturated solid solution → GP zones (ABAB-type) → single LPSO building block (γ')→ various metastable LPSO building block clusters→ 14H-LPSO (γ). The deformation modes (sliding, twinning, kinking, grain boundary sliding, etc) modified with the tensile temperature increase. <c+a> dislocations were observed at elevated temperatures. As the temperature of tensile test increases, twins become less. Grain boundary sliding occurs at elevated temperatures.

Analysis of Corrosion Potential of Zn, Ni, and Zn-Ni Alloy Using Ab Initio Calculations Supported by Experimental Thermodynamics Data

The purpose of this study is to investigate the corrosion properties of Zn, Ni, and Zn - Ni alloy using density functional theory (DFT). DFT can assist in predicting the thermodynamic properties of challenging compounds such as metals, alloys, and transition metal oxides. In the present work, DFT is used to predict Zn, Ni, and Zn - Ni alloy phase diagram. The Hubbard correction (U) and dispersion correction (D) are used to minimize the inherent error associated with the DFT. We studied the crystal structure, electronic structures, and thermodynamic energies of Zn and Ni compounds using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) density functional employing Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE). We have developed the corresponding Pourbaix diagram of Zn, Ni, and their alloy to compare the performance of density functional theory with the experimental observations. The corrosion behavior of various alloys including Zn11Ni2,ZnNi,ZnNi3 are compared and discussed. This can be useful for predicting the corrosion-resistant properties of these alloys.

Enhanced combustion performance of Al–Zn alloys with property optimization inspired by “two-way tunneling” strategy

Fluorinated polymers (PVDF) are widely used due to their pre-ignition reaction with Al2O3 to improve the combustion of Al. In this study, a homogeneous PVDF coating layer was constructed on the surface of Al–Zn alloys by solvent evaporation, and Al-Zn@PVDF composites with “two-way tunneling” function during thermal decomposition and combustion were prepared. The constructed PVDF coating layer can react with Al2O3 to destroy the protective layer and promote the oxidation and combustion of Al–Zn from the outside to the inside. At the same time, the energy provided by the Al-Zn@PVDF during the ignition and combustion process also promotes the melting and vaporization of Zn, which achieves the rapid and full combustion of Al–Zn alloy from the inside to outside. The “ two-way tunneling” function of Al-Zn@PVDF composites significantly improves the combustion performance, resulting in a maximum combustion temperature of 1346.9 °C for Al-Zn@PVDF-40 % and a minimum combustion duration of 1.39 s for Al-Zn@PVDF-30 %, which is a significant improvement in combustion performance. The good chemical stability of PVDF also improves the hydrophobicity of Al–Zn and enhances its applicability. In conclusion, the construction of composites with “two-way tunneling” function first proposed in this study can significantly improve the thermal decomposition and combustion properties of Al–Zn, which is expected to further facilitate its application in propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics.

Effect of annealing mode of cold-rolled sheets on the structure and mechanical properties of Al – 1.5% Cu – 1.5% Mn(Mg, Zn) alloy

Effect of annealing mode of cold-rolled sheets on the structure and mechanical properties of Al – 1.5% Cu – 1.5% Mn(Mg, Zn) alloy

Preparation, Mechanical Properties, and Degradation Behavior of Zn-1Fe-xSr Alloys for Biomedical Applications.

As biodegradable materials, zinc (Zn) and zinc-based alloys have attracted wide attention owing to their great potential in biomedical applications. However, the poor strength of pure Zn and binary Zn alloys limits their wide application. In this work, a stir casting method was used to prepare the Zn-1Fe-xSr (x = 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 wt.%) ternary alloys, and the phase composition, microstructure, tensile properties, hardness, and degradation behavior were studied. The results indicated that the SrZn13 phase was generated in the Zn matrix when the Sr element was added, and the grain size of Zn-1Fe-xSr alloy decreased with the increase in Sr content. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Brinell hardness increased with the increase in Sr content. The UTS and hardness of Zn-1Fe-2Sr alloy were 141.65 MPa and 87.69 HBW, which were 55.7% and 58.4% higher than those of Zn-1Fe alloy, respectively. As the Sr content increased, the corrosion current density of Zn-1Fe-xSr alloy increased, and the charge transfer resistance decreased significantly. Zn-1Fe-2Sr alloy had a degradation rate of 0.157 mg·cm-2·d-1, which was 118.1% higher than the degradation rate of Zn-1Fe alloy. Moreover, the degradation rate of Zn-1Fe-xSr alloy decreased significantly with the increase in immersion time.

Oxides improve the strength of Zn-0.5Mn-0.5Mg alloys proceeded by laser powder bed fusion

Laser powder bed fusion has recently been adopted to fabricate biodegradable Zn alloys. But the mechanical properties need to be further improved to meet the requirements for natural bone implants. In this study, a ternary Zn-0.5Mn-0.5Mg biodegradable alloy is prepared by laser powder bed fusion technique. The as-printed sample shows a large compressive yield strength of 267 MPa and considerable ductility that the sample maintains its integrity after 50 % compression. The improved strength is mainly attributed to the formation of brittle Zn oxides, Mn oxides and Mg oxides which induce lattice distortion. These oxides fragment easily during the compression and reduce the stress concentration, resulting in significant ductility. More importantly, the as-printed sample shows a moderate degradation rate of 0.08 mm/year after immersing in the simulated body fluid solution for 7 days. In addition, the sample has MC3T3-E1 cell viabilities higher than 75 %, showing no-toxicity characteristic. This study demonstrates that laser powder bed fusion Zn-Mn-Mg alloy is a promising candidate for biodegradable materials and proposes a novel route to tailor the mechanical properties of additive-manufactured Zn alloys by oxides compositing.

Microstructure refinement, mechanical performances and degradability of biomedical Zn-2Cu alloy by ultrasonic melting and homogenization treatment

Zn alloys are deemed to be desired body implant materials because of their moderate degradation rate. In this paper, the microstructural evolution, mechanical performances, and degradability of Zn-2Cu alloy prepared by ultrasonic melt treatment (UMT) with different ultrasonic powers (0 W, 300 W, 600 W, and 900 W) were systematically studied. Under the condition of UMT, the coarse α-Zn grains of Zn-2Cu alloy were refined into fine equiaxed grains and the mean size was significantly decreased from 133.4 μm to 65.3 μm when the ultrasound power was enhanced. The precipitating CuZn5 phase was significantly refined from the coarse block into the spherical shape. Moreover, the fraction of the CuZn5 precipitates of the Zn-2Cu alloy was greatly reduced with the increase of ultrasonic power. Tensile tests showed that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and elongation (El) of Zn-2Cu alloy were remarkably enhanced to 203 MPa, 167 MPa, and 8.14 %, respectively, when the Zn-2Cu alloy melting was treated by 600 W power. It was found by electrochemical polarization test that the degradation rate of Zn-2Cu alloy treated by UMT with 0 W, 300 W, 600 W, and 900 W power in Hank’s solution was gradually decreased to 1.6312 mm/a, 1.3206 mm/a, 1.0992 mm/a, and 1.2832 mm/a, respectively. In addition, after the Zn-2Cu alloys were immersed in Hank’s solution for 30 days, the degradation rate of samples was summarized as 0 W alloy (0.472 mm/a) > 300 W alloy (0.436 mm/a) > 900 W alloy (0.412 mm/a) > 600 W alloy (0.398 mm/a). The studies verified that the UMT was a very valuable technology for preparing Zn-2Cu alloy, which can meet the requirement of mechanical properties and degradable rate as a promising implant material.

Correlative electron microscopy of discontinuous precipitation

This paper presents a comprehensive study on discontinuous precipitation (DP) in Al-22 at.% Zn alloy, leveraging the correlative and synergic effects of advanced microscopy and modelling techniques. The study is structured into three pivotal steps: in-situ scanning electron microscopy combined with an energy backscattered diffraction analysis for real-time monitoring and an analysis of DP reaction kinetics and grain boundary misorientations; transmission electron microscopy and an energy X-ray dispersive microanalysis for detailed observation of solute-depleted α and solute-rich β lamellae, offering insights into the kinetics of the reaction front (RF) and solute concentration profiles; and a sophisticated modelling approach addressing the limitations of direct observation methods by simulating solute concentration changes within αphase lamellae during RF go-and-stop cycles. This multifaceted approach elucidates the nuances of DP mechanisms, from the nucleation and growth of precipitates to the estimation of instantaneous RF velocity and the impact of grain boundary misorientations. The integration of these methodologies enhances our understanding of DP kinetics and morphology at both meso- and nanoscales, highlighting the significant role of correlative microscopy in metallurgical research. The findings not only deepen our grasp of the fundamental mechanisms driving DP reactions but also provide a valuable comparison framework for experimental data, potentially guiding the development and optimization of metallurgical processes.

Study on the Synergistic Effects of Cu and Sr on Biodegradable Zn Alloys.

Bone defect repair and postoperative infections are among the most challenging issues faced by orthopedic surgeons. Thus, the antibacterial agent Cu and the osteogenic promoter Sr have been widely incorporated into biodegradable alloys separately. However, to the best of our knowledge, the synergistic effects of Cu and Sr on zinc alloys have not been investigated. Therefore, we have developed a series of novel Zn-4Cu-xSr (x = 0.05, 0.1, and 0.3 wt %) alloys. Our results showed that the addition of Cu and Sr significantly increased the strength of pure zinc while maintaining a certain level of ductility. Plastic deformation further enhanced the strength and ductility of the alloys. The tensile strength of HR Zn-4Cu-xSr alloys remains between 233.34 ± 1.31 MPa and 235.81 ± 3.0 MPa, with elongation values ranging from 45.7 ± 1.56% to 49.6 ± 6.22%. The HE Zn-4Cu-0.05Sr alloy exhibits a high elongation of 95.05 ± 11.1%. Furthermore, the HE Zn-4Cu-0.1Sr alloy demonstrates the best overall mechanical performance with ultimate tensile strength (σuts), yield strength (σys), and elongation (ε) values of 252.73 ± 0.12 MPa, 181.0 ± 0.79 MPa, and 42.8 ± 1.13%, respectively. The corrosion rate of HE Zn-4Cu-xSr alloys increases with an increase in Sr content. All samples exhibit satisfactory cytocompatibility with the cells displaying a healthy spindle-like morphology. In vitro antibacterial tests show that the HE Zn-4Cu-xSr alloys exhibit significant antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), with the antibacterial properties strengthening as the Sr content increases. Therefore, this study demonstrates the tremendous potential application of Zn-4Cu-xSr alloys in biodegradable zinc alloys for bone fracture fixation and repair.

Natural and Artificial Aging Effects on the Deformation Behaviors of Al-Mg-Zn Alloy Sheets.

This study investigated the effects of aging profiles on the precipitate formation and the corresponding strengthening and deformation behaviors of Al-Mg-Zn alloys. The alloys subjected to natural aging (NA) demonstrated significantly enhanced ductility at equivalent stress levels compared to those subjected to artificial aging (AA). In AA-treated alloys, η' and η-phases with incoherent interfaces were formed, while GP zones and solute clusters were dominantly exhibited in the NA-treated alloy with a coherent interface with the matrix. Due to the change in interface bonding, the dislocation movement and pinning behavior after deformation are varied depending on the aging conditions of Al-Mg-Zn alloy sheet. Thus, the elongation to fracture of the NA alloy sheet was improved compared to that of the AA alloy sheet because of the enhanced work-hardening capacity and the thin precipitate-free zone (PFZ). Deformation textures and dislocation densities varied between NA and AA treatments, as revealed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and kernel average misorientation (KAM) analysis. The interactions between the precipitates, dislocations, and the PFZ in the AA- and NA-treated alloys were analyzed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The insights gained from this research provide a valuable foundation for industrial applications, particularly in sectors demanding lightweight, high-strength materials, where optimizing the aging process can lead to significant performance improvement and cost savings.

3D X-ray Tomography Analysis of Mg–Si–Zn Alloys for Biomedical Applications: Elucidating the Morphology of the MgZn Phase

Temporary metal implants, made from materials like titanium (Ti) or stainless steel, can cause metabolic issues, raise toxicity levels within the body, and negatively impact the patient’s long-term health. This necessitates a subsequent operation to extract these implants once the healing process is complete or when they are outgrown by the patient. In contrast, medical devices fabricated from absorbable alloys have the advantage of being biodegradable, allowing them to be naturally absorbed by the body once they have fulfilled their role in facilitating tissue healing. Among the various absorbable alloy systems studied, magnesium (Mg) alloys stand out due to their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior. The existing literature on absorbable Mg alloys highlights the effectiveness of silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) additions in improving mechanical properties and controlling corrosion susceptibility; however, there is a lack of comprehensive quantitative morphological analysis of the intermetallic phases within these alloy systems. The quantification of the complex morphology of intermetallic particles is a challenging task and has significant implications for the micromechanical properties of the alloys. This study, therefore, aims to introduce a robust set of morphometric parameters for evaluating the morphology of intermetallic phases within two as-cast Mg alloys with Si and Zn additions. X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) was used to capture the 3D tomographic data of the alloys, and a novel pair of morphological parameters (ratio of convex hull to particle volume and convex hull sphericity) was applied to the 3D tomographic data to assess the MgZn phase formed in the two alloys. In addition to the impact of composition, the effect of solidification rate on the morphological parameters was also studied. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to gather detailed 2D microstructural and compositional information on the intermetallics. The comprehensive characterization reveals that the morphological complexity and size distribution of the MgZn phase are influenced by both compositional changes and the solidification rate. However, the change in MgZn intermetallic particle morphology with size was found to follow a predictable trend, which was relatively agnostic of the chosen casting conditions.

A novel shell-like structure Zn-5Mn alloy with high strength and high plasticity for degradable oil fracturing tools

Fracturing tools for oil and gas exploitation require high mechanical properties and degradability. Zn alloys are possible to have good mechanical properties and much lower cost than widely used rare-earth Mg alloys, so it is worthy to develop Zn alloys as alternative materials. In this paper, a novel shell-like microstructure of Zn-5Mn alloy has been realized by bottom circulating water cooling. MnZn9 phase appears by the first time in Zn-Mn alloys with Mn < 6.4 wt%. This phase leads to the formation of hard MnZn9/MnZn13 core/shell structure with a high volume fraction of 76 %, dispersed uniformly in soft Zn phase. The alloy has excellent compressive properties without fracture even when stress and strain reach 2776 MPa and 80 %, respectively. Its ultimate uniform compressive stress and strain are 865 MPa and 56 % respectively, beyond widely used dissoluble Mg alloys. Weight loss rate of the Zn-5Mn alloy is two times that of pure Zn, immersed in 3 wt% KCl solution at 93°C. The shell-like Zn-5Mn alloy provides guiding significance of applying Zn alloys in fracturing tools for oil and gas exploitation.

Effect of addition of Ce and accumulative roll bonding on structure-property of the Mg-Ce-Al hybrid composite and its prediction and comparison using artificial neural network (ANN) approach

Abstract Light alloys play a crucial role in realizing the national strategy for energy conservation and emission reduction, as well as promoting the upgrading of manufacturing industries. Mg/Al composite laminates combine the corrosion resistance and ductility of aluminium alloy with the lightweight characteristics of magnesium alloy. The addition of Ce (rare earth elements) can improve the mechanical properties of magnesium via grain refinement and improve the ductility of the hybrid composites. In the present work, an investigation on addition of Ce into the Mg/Al matrix through Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB) has been presented. The Mg/Ce/Al hybrid composite consists of Mg-4%Zn alloy and Al 1100 alloy with 0.2% Ce particles added between the dissimilar layers. The changes occurred in the evaluation of microstructure, corrosion and mechanical properties of the Mg/Ce/Al hybrid composite as a result of deformation process and also the addition of Ce have been explicated. The ARB parameters: temperature, rolling speed, percentage reduction, and aging time, have been studied. An increase of about 2.36 times in strength and hardness of the hybrid composite, has been reported. Further, the structure–property relations in the Mg/Ce/Al hybrid composites were aslo predict and compare using machine learning models: Decision Tree and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) models.

Correlation Between Microstructural Features and Corrosion Resistance in a Fine-Grained Severely Deformed Biodegradable Mg‒4Zn Alloy

Correlation Between Microstructural Features and Corrosion Resistance in a Fine-Grained Severely Deformed Biodegradable Mg‒4Zn Alloy