Influence of neodymium on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31B wrought magnesium alloy

Abstract

The influences of rare earth neodymium on microstructure and mechanical properties of as cast and hot rolled AZ31B wrought magnesium alloy were investigated. The results show that the mechanical properties of both as cast and hot rolled AZ31B alloys decrease due to Nd addition. Nd reacts with Al to form Al₂Nd phase when Nd is added. Bulky and brittle Al₂Nd intermetallic degrades the mechanical properties. Moreover, the addition of Nd weakens the grain refining effect of Al on as cast AZ31B alloy, resulting in grain coarsening. Coarse grains also cause the decline of the mechanical properties of as cast AZ31B–Nd alloy. The negative influence of the bulky and brittle intermetallics on mechanical properties of AZ31B alloy can be relieved by large deformation because the intermetallics can be sufficiently broken up during the deformation process.     

AZ31镁合金温变形对其性能影响的研究

为了研究温变形对铸态AZ31镁合金力学性能的影响,在210～300℃温度范围内对均匀化后的合金进行了不同程度的平面应变压缩,并根据微观组织的演变对其进行了分析.结果表明:随变形温度的升高,在相同的变形程度下晶粒有长大的趋势,其抗拉强度增量下降;在同一温度下变形,强度增量随着变形程度的增加而增大,变形到一定程度时,呈现减小的趋势.在210℃下变形,当ε达到2.07时,其抗拉强度最大可达305MPa,较铸态提高近50%.表明AZ31合金温变形时,通过形变强化与细晶强化的合理组合,可获得细小均匀的等轴组织,大幅度提高镁合金的强度.     

Effect of tool pin profile on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded AZ31B magnesium alloy

In this investigation the effect of friction stir welding pin geometry on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy joints is studied. The considered pin geometries are simple cylindrical, screw threaded cylindrical and taper. The joints are friction stir welded at different traverse and rotational speeds. Microstructures of the joints are examined using the optical and scanning electron microscopes. Also, the tensile properties and hardness of the joints are measured. The results show that taper and screw threaded cylindrical pins produce defect free joints. In addition, the taper pin results in finest microstructure and highest mechanical properties. Furthermore, it is found that rotational speed has a more significant role on the final microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints, compared to the traverse speed.     

Effect of electromagnetic stirring and solution treatment on microstructure and properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy

Effect of electromagnetic stirring and solution treatment on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of AZ31 alloy are investigated in this study. Results show that the mechanical properties of AZ31 alloy are substantially increased after electromagnetic stirring and solution treatment. The tensile strength and elongation are 178 MPa and 19.6 % for AZ31 alloy prepared by electromagnetic stirring after solution treatment. A large number of twins and low angle boundaries are observed in the specimen after heat treatment, since the compressive stress on ( ) crystal plane become larger during quenching. The dislocation arrays, which produced by slip or climbing of dislocations, join together to form low angle boundaries.     

Effects of neodymium rich rare earth elements on microstructure and mechanical properties of as cast AZ31 magnesium alloy

Abstract

The effects of neodymium rich rare earth elements [RE(Nd)] on microstructure and mechanical properties of as cast AZ31 magnesium alloy were investigated. The microstructures of as cast AZ31–xRE(Nd) alloys display a dendrite configuration, and the secondary dendrite spacing of the α-Mg phase was decreased with the increasing Nd content. The addition of RE(Nd) resulted in the formation of Al₂Nd and Mg₁₂Nd phases. Mechanical properties were improved significantly due to grain refinement and precipitation of intermetallic phases. When the amount of RE is 1·0 wt-%,The as cast AZ31 alloy reached its maximum tensile strength of 249 MPa at room temperature, yield strength of 169 MPa and elongation of 9·0%.     

Si-RE复合合金化对AZ31镁合金显微组织及力学性能的影响

采用Si-RE元素对AZ31镁合金进行复合微合金化,利用光学显微镜(OM)、扫描电镜(SEM)、X射线衍射仪(XRD)及拉伸实验仪等手段研究Si-RE元素对AZ31镁合金的微观组织和力学性能的影响规律。结果表明,Si-RE复合加入可以明显细化AZ31镁合金的铸态组织,β-Mg17Al12相也由网状分布变为颗粒状,同时生成了短棒状和针状的Mg2Si相及Al11RE3相;合金的综合力学性能显著改善,AZ31+0.4%Si+0.5%RE的强度和延伸率比原始AZ31镁合金分别提高了42MPa和3.9%,试样室温拉伸断口虽然是以解理为主的脆性断裂,但断口中出现了少量的韧窝,解理面也较小。     

Influence of nano-alumina and sub-micron copper on mechanical properties of magnesium alloy AZ31

Magnesium composites of AZ31–Al₂O₃–Cu formulations were produced using the disintegrated melt deposition technique following by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterization showed reasonable distribution of secondary phases up to 1 vol.% of copper. A tendency to form clustered agglomeration and longer shape of secondary phases was observed when the amount of copper was increased to 1.5 vol.%. Mechanical tests indicated remarkable improvements in 0.2%YS, UTS and microhardness when nano-alumina and sub-micron copper were added into AZ31. The ductility was increased up to 9.3% in the case of AZ31–1.5Al₂O₃–1.0Cu sample and significantly reduced (5.5%) when the amount of copper was increased to 1.5 vol.%. Heat treated sample of AZ31–1.5Al₂O₃–1.0Cu showed overall improvement in both tensile strength and ductility. The results suggest that the judicious selection of composition and heat treatment has the capability to enhance overall tensile response of Mg–Al₂O₃–Cu nanocomposites.     

Effect of submicron size SiC particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium matrix composites

The magnesium matrix composites reinforced with three volume fractions (3, 5 and 10 vol.%) of submicron-SiC particles (∼0.5 μm) were fabricated by semisolid stirring assisted ultrasonic vibration method. With increasing the volume fraction of the submicron SiC particles (SiCp), the grain size of matrix in the SiCp/AZ31B composites was gradually decreased. Most of the submicron SiC particles exhibited homogeneous distribution in the SiCp/AZ31B composites. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the 10 vol.% SiCp/AZ31B composites were simultaneously improved. The study of interface between the submicron SiCp and the matrix in the SiCp/AZ31B composite suggested that submicron SiCp bonded well with the matrix without interfacial activity.     

Effect of transient liquid phase diffusion bonding on properties of ODS nickel alloy MA758

Abstract

An oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) MA758 nickel alloy was bonded in the fine grain and recrystallised conditions using transient liquid phase diffusion bonding at 1100°C for various hold times. A microstructural study was undertaken to investigate the effect of post-bond heat treatments at 1360°C for 1 hand changes in parent metal grain size on developments of bond microstructure. Shear and fatigue tests were carried out to determine the mechanical integrity of the bonded samples. Results showed that shear and fatigue strengths of diffusion bonds made in the recrystallised condition were higher than those of bonds made in the fine grain condition. The results from oxidation tests performed at 1000°C show that the oxidation rate for samples bonded in the fine grain condition is higher than for those bonded in the recrystallised condition. However, localised oxidation of the joint region was not observed and this indicated that compositional homogeneity across the diffusion bonds had been attained.     

Effects of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded AZ80 magnesium alloy

Microstructure evolution of the extruded AZ80 magnesium alloy and different precipitation behavior of β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase in different heat treatment conditions were investigated. Solution treatment caused the dissolution of β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase and the grain coarsening. During aging, discontinuous precipitates were preferentially initiated at some of the grain boundaries and then continuous precipitates appeared in the grain interiors. In the period of direct-aging, discontinuous precipitates formed between the banded structure and no continuous precipitate appeared. After solution and aging treatment, an improved combination of strength and elongation was obtained. The highest strength was achieved for the extruded AZ80 sample after directing-aging treatment.     

Effects of Ca addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91magnesium alloy

The effects of Ca addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy have been studied. The results show that the Ca addition can refine the microstructure, reduce the quantity of Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase, and form new Al₂Ca phase in AZ91 magnesium alloy. With the Ca addition, the tensile strength and elongation of AZ91magnesium alloy at ambient temperature are reduced, whereas Ca addition confers elevated temperature strengthening on AZ91 magnesium alloy. The tensile strength at 150°C increases with increasing Ca content. The impact toughness of AZ91magnesium alloy increases, and then declines as the Ca content increases. The tensile and impact fractographs exhibit intergranular fracture features, Ca addition changes the pattern and quantity of tearing ridge, with radial or parallel tearing ridge increasing, tensile strength, elongation and impact toughness reduce.     

电弧增材制造AZ31镁合金组织与力学性能分析

针对镁合金在轻量化结构件领域的应用前景,采用基于MIG焊的电弧增材制造工艺开展了两组不同路径的AZ31镁合金增材实验,并对其微观组织和力学性能进行了分析。结果表明：增材构件相较于原始焊丝的化学成分无较大变化;单道次多层往复堆积路径相较于多道次多层堆积路径,更易制得表面更为平整,内部更为致密的构件,其屈服强度为77.3 MPa,抗拉强度为235 MPa,达到原始焊丝75%的力学性能水平,平均显微硬度为52.7HV,断后伸长率最高达到了27%;增材构件拉伸断裂方式为韧性断裂,并在多道次多层往复堆积构件断口处发现其内部存在气孔。验证了电弧增材制造AZ31镁合金工艺的可行性。     

AZ31B镁合金带材热轧过程组织均匀性及性能研究

本文开展了变形温度为300、350、400 ℃和总压下率分别为15%、30%、45%、60%的AZ31B镁合金带材热轧试验,分析了不同工艺参数对轧后带材的微观组织及力学性能的影响规律。研究表明:随着轧制温度的升高,再结晶百分数增加,晶粒细化显著,组织均匀性增强;当温度达到350 ℃时,由于中间退火保温导致再结晶晶粒长大,使温度进一步升高,对再结晶程度的影响减弱,轧后带材晶粒度和延伸率均有降低;相比温度参数,提升总压下率对晶粒细化效果更为显著,轧制温度为300 ℃,压下率为60%时近表面平均晶粒尺寸由10 μm细化至3.7 μm,中心层晶粒尺寸细化至4.9 μm,组织分布较为均匀;压下率的增加有效改善了组织均匀性,使轧后带材延伸率显著增加,拉伸断口的韧窝增多,且逐渐加深。     

Texture and microstructure evolution in cold rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy

Microstructure and texture evolution of an AZ31 magnesium alloy during cold roll was investigated. Shear bands formed and fine recrystallized grains appeared in the shear bands at the reduction of 22% during cold roll process. Texture of hot-extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy can be expressed by (0002) texture, while those of cold roll sheet were characterized by (0002) texture with a double-peak distribution, showing that basal texture tilted about ± 10°away from the normal direction toward the rolling direction.     

Effects of an overlapping multi-pass friction stir process and rapid cooling on the mechanical properties and microstructure of AZ31 magnesium alloy

Applications for magnesium as the lightest structural metal are increasing; however, its low ductility at room temperature could be considered a limitation. The friction stir process (FSP) is a solid state process that can overcome this limitation by producing a fine-grained material and uniform texture. This study used overlapping passes FSP to create a fine-grained area on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy. Rapid cooling was employed during the process to eliminate the thermal effects of successive passes. Two different modes of overlap were created. In the first mode, the surface of the sample was FSPed overlapping in one direction. In the second mode, the first overlapped surface of the sample was overlapped again in a direction perpendicular to the primary process. The results showed that mechanical strength in the process direction increased for both modes. Elongation was greater for the first mode than that of the raw material and, for the second mode, was less than for the raw material. In the direction perpendicular to the process, both the mechanical strength and ductility of the material were less than those of the raw material. The particle distribution in the second mode was more uniform than that for the first mode.     

The effect of gap size on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the transient liquid phase bonded FSX-414 superalloy

Optimization of transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding variables is essential to achieve a joint free from deleterious intermetallic constituents as well as with appropriate mechanical properties. In this research, TLP bonding of FSX-414 superalloy was performed using the MBF-80 interlayer. The effects of bonding time (1–30 min) and gap size (25–100 μm) were studied on the joint microstructure and its mechanical properties. Continuous centerline eutectic phases, characterized as nickel-rich and chromium-rich borides, were observed at the joints with incomplete isothermal solidification. The globular and acicular phases were seen at diffusion affected zone (DAZ). These phases could be nickel–chromium and cobalt–chromium borides. The time of complete isothermal solidification increased with increasing the gap size. This increase was consistent with the models based on the diffusion induced solid/liquid interface motion. A deviation of these models was observed for 75 and 100 μm gap size specimens. At complete isothermal solidification condition, the shear strength and the hardness of isothermal solidification zone decreased with increasing the gap size. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of shear fracture surfaces of the specimens with incomplete isothermal solidification showed secondary cracks through the brittle centerline eutectic constituents.     

稀土Y和Sm对AZ91 D镁合金组织与性能的影响

采用控制变量法研究单一稀土Y和复合稀土Y,Sm元素对AZ91D镁合金微观组织与力学性能的影响,分析稀土元素对AZ91D合金的细化机理。结果表明：复合添加稀土Y和Sm对AZ91D合金的作用效果明显好于单一添加稀土Y对AZ91D合金的作用效果,添加Y和Sm后,生成了块状相Al₂Y相和针状相Al₂Sm相,可以作为α-Mg的有效异质形核点。当加入量为0.8%（质量分数,下同）Y+1.0% Sm时,α-Mg晶粒尺寸最为细小,分布最为均匀,其合金的硬度、抗拉强度及伸长率分别为67.42HV,153.37 MPa和3.62%,改善了铸态AZ91D合金的室温力学性能,但是超过这个最佳添加量后,合金的室温力学性能开始下降。     

Effect of initial orientation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of textured AZ31 Mg alloy during torsion and annealing

We studied the effect of crystallographic orientation and temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy bar by torsion and subsequent annealing. The results show that the orientation between torsion axis (TA) and extrusion direction (ED) has a significant impact on the microstructure evolution. With TA parallel to ED, profuse extension twins appeared. After annealing, zones close to the surface were completely recrystallized and refined, while the center still had some extension twins left. With TA perpendicular to ED, extension twins were inhibited. It is speculated that, except extension twins, contraction twins is also acting as a major deformation mode. Upon annealing, this specimen was completely recrystallized, even at the center, which is considered as a result of more preferred nucleation sites for static recrystallization from contraction twins. As demonstrated, the temperature has little impact on the microstructure development when twisted at room temperature or liquid nitrogen temperature. Moreover, the compression tests show that the compression ductility and yield strength were improved simultaneously for both samples when compressed on the direction either along ED or perpendicular to ED, due to the combined effects of grain refinement and texture weakening.     

Effect of cerium on microstructures and mechanical properties of AZ61 wrought magnesium alloy

The effects of Cerium (Ce) addition on microstructures and mechanical properties of hot-extruded AZ61 alloy were investigated. It is found that Ce refines Mg₁₇Al₁₂ particles and brings about precipitation of a new rod-like phase that is identified as Al₄Ce by X-ray diffraction. During hot deformation, Al₄Ce particles can refine dynamic recrystallized grains by impeding grain growth. For Ce additions up to 1.0 wt%, the recrystallized grain size decreases; When Ce addition is more than 1.0 wt%, grain size increases inversely. Strength and elongation of extruded or annealed specimens at room temperature increase along with Ce addition up to 1.0 wt%, then decrease. Optimal mechanical properties are correspondent to 1.0 wt% Ce addition.