Effect of microporosity on the tensile properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy

The effect of microporosity on the tensile deformation of as-cast AZ91 magnesium alloy was investigated through systematic experimental approaches and theoretical predictions of a constitutive model for tension instability. The strain rate sensitivity was measured at room temperature by the incremental strain rate change test, and the microporosity was quantitatively obtained by fractography analysis on fractured surfaces. The tensile strength and elongation of as-cast AZ91 alloy have a strong inverse parabolic dependence on microporosity variation. The constitutive model can exactly predict the tensile deformation of AZ91 alloy through a practical estimation of strain-related terms and load carrying capacity by quantitative fractography. The overall plastic deformation of AZ91 alloy depends fundamentally upon not only the variation of load carrying capacity, but also on the strain hardening exponent and strain rate sensitivity. The contribution of strain rate sensitivity to plastic deformation becomes increasingly significant with a decreased strain hardening ability. As the strain rate sensitivity of the conventional material is very low but not zero, the constitutive model for the exact prediction of plastic deformation should take the strain rate sensitivity term into account.     

Microstructure and tensile properties of thixo-diecast AZ91D magnesium alloy

The thixo-diecasting （TDC） process is the combination of semi-solid billet preparation technology and die casting technology. The TDC process not only keeps the characteristics of thixo-forming but also has high efficiency and low cost. In the present work, the microstructures and mechanical properties of an AZ91D magnesium alloy prepared by the thixo-diecasting （TDC） process were characterized in as-cast condition. The TDC alloy produced exhibits a unique microstructure containing a-Mg solid solution and/3-Mg~TAI~2 intermetallic compound, and there are some small droplets and a small gray globule with eutectic structure in the primary a-Mg grains. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the TDC alloy also increase in comparison with other processes, such as thixocasting. Fracture surface observation shows that a crack mainly originates from the brittle fracture of the eutectic phases. The deformation of ductile a-Mg phase provides the TDC alloy with the main strain.     

钕对AZ91镁合金铸态组织的影响

利用光学显微镜、电子探针和X射线衍射仪研究Nd对AZ91镁合金铸态显微组织的影响，并利用Imagetool软件测量晶粒尺寸和面积。结果表明：少量Nd对α-Mg晶粒有显著的细化作用，平均晶粒尺寸由108μm降至约31μm，晶粒面积也明显减小，Nd的最佳加入量为0．5％。此外，Nd的加入致使β-Mg17Al12相弥散细小，组织中出现了粒状或针状Al3Nd化合物。     

Constitutive prediction and dependence of tensile properties of high-pressure die-cast AM60B and AZ91D magnesium alloy on microporosity

The effect of micro-voids on the tensile property of high-pressure die-cast AM60B and AZ91D magnesium alloy was investigated through systematic experimental approaches, with a constitutive prediction on the load carrying capacity and strain-related factors. The strain rate sensitivity was measured through the incremental strain rate change test, and the microporosity was measured from a comparison between the area of the micro-void and the cross-section area through the quantitative fractography on a fractured surface. The yield strengths of the AM60B and AZ91D alloys exhibit a linear dependence upon the variation of microporosity. In addition, the UTS and elongation of both alloys have a strong dependence upon the variation of microporosity, with an inverse parabolic relationship. The constitutive prediction exhibits is in good agreement with overall trend of the tensile properties of both alloys. From the constitutive prediction, it is confirmed that the differences in the UTS and elongation of both alloys arises from the divergence of the strain hardening ability, rather than from the strain rate sensitivity.     

Gd对AZ91D合金铸态组织及性能的影响

研究了稀土元素Gd对铸态AZ91D镁合金组织与性能的影响.试验结果表明,Gd元素对合金的组织有细化作用,加入了Gd元素后,合金中会形成Al2Gd相,适量添加Gd元素会提升合金的性能,当Gd的质量分数为1.0％时,合金的性能最好.     

Correlating the microstructure and tensile properties of a thixomolded AZ91D magnesium alloy

Thixomolding¹, an emerging semisolid technology, was used to process an AZ91D magnesium alloy under experimental conditions designed to yield from 5 to 60% of the primary solid particles. The thixotropic microstructures obtained were characterized in detail and linked to the corresponding tensile properties. An increase in primary solid content was accompanied by its larger microchemical and microstructural inhomogeneity expressed by Al and Zn segregation, sub-micron precipitates of Mg₁₇Al₁₂ and eutectic islands. At the same time, the size of α-Mg grains within the eutectic mixture was reduced. For the volume fraction of the primary solid up to about 20%, the tensile strength and elongation remained at the level of 240 MPa and 4.5%, respectively. A further increase of the primary solid caused a reduction in both strength and ductility. The fractographic analysis revealed a correlation between the primary solid content and the morphology of the decohesion surface. It is concluded that for alloys with a solid fraction below approximately 20%, the internal structure of the primary solid and the eutectic mixture control the properties. For a large volume of unmelted fraction, the interface between the primary solid and the eutectic mixture is a key factor which controls the tensile properties of the thixomolded alloy.     

Mechanical properties of thixomolded AZ91D magnesium alloy

Tensile properties of thixomolded AZ91D alloy were studied to investigate the fracture mechanism by the microstructure and decohesion surfaces of tensile specimens which were manufactured at different processing conditions including barrel temperature, shot velocity, mold temperature and screw rotation speed. The results revealed that mechanical properties of thixomolded AZ91D mainly depended on porosity level, the size and volume fraction of primary solid phase and the size of α-Mg and β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ in liquid phase. The increase in barrel temperature and shot velocity would cause the increase of both strength and ductility, while increasing mold temperature or improving screw rotation speed was coupled by the reduction of tensile properties. The tensile behaviors for different processing parameters were reasonably interpreted through the dependant factors during the deformation.     

Corrosion properties of surface-modified AZ91D magnesium alloy

Samples of AZ91D magnesium alloy were dipped into AlCl₃–NaCl molten salt at different temperatures between 250 °C and 400 °C for 28800 s. The thickness of the alloying layer is increased with the rise of the treatment temperatures. The coating was mainly composed of Al₁₂Mg₁₇ and Al₃Mg₂ intermetallic compounds. The corrosion resistance of the coating which is obtained at 300 °C for 28800 s is the best. When the treatment temperature is higher than 300 °C, some cracks developed in the alloying layers. The cracks were resulted from the thermal stress due to the different thermal expansion coefficient of the AZ91D substrate and the alloying coating during the rapid cooling process.     

Dynamic recrystallization kinetics of as-cast AZ91D alloy

The flow behavior and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of an as-cast AZ91D alloy were investigated systematically by applying the isothermal compression tests in temperature range of 220–380 °C and strain rate range of 0.001–1 s^?1. The effect of temperature and strain rate on the DRX behavior was discussed. The results indicate that the nucleation and growth of dynamic recrystallized grains easily occur at higher temperatures and lower strain rates. To evaluate the evolution of dynamic recrystallization, the DRX kinetics model was proposed based on the experimental data of true stress-true strain curves. It was revealed that the volume fraction of dynamic recrystallized grains increased with increasing strain in terms of S-curves. A good agreement between the proposed DRX kinetics model and microstructure observation results validates the accuracy of DRX kinetics model for AZ91D alloy.     

热轧参数对铸态AZ91镁合金组织与性能的影响

通过不同道次压下量和轧制道次的热轧成形实验,研究了不同变形条件对AZ91铸态镁合金组织和析出相演变的影响,以及合金在热轧变形中的开裂行为。实验结果表明:对AZ91镁合金多道次、小压下量轧制是实现其累积大塑性变形的途径之一。在实验轧制条件下,AZ91镁合金塑性变形仍以孪生变形为主,动态再结晶并未明显进行,仅在晶界及析出相附近发生部分不连续动态再结晶。轧制变形过程中,β-Mg_(17)Al_(12)相呈短条棒状或颗粒状分布于晶界附近,且尺寸更为细小。在晶界附近分布的脆性析出相成为微裂纹萌生的源头,随着累积变形量的增加,部分Mg_(17)Al_(12)相被轧碎形成二次裂纹,裂纹进一步沿晶界扩展,造成明显开裂现象。     

Rheo-diecasting of AZ91D magnesium alloy

A rheo-diecasting process (RDC) was investigated for semisolid processing of an AZ91D magnesium alloy. The results of the RDC samples in as-cast state indicate that the microstructure of primary α-Mg particles has a fine size, nearly spherical morphology, and uniform distribution throughout the components. Due to the advanced microstructure and reduced level of defects, the RDC AZ91D Mg alloy exhibits an apparent improvement in mechanical properties. The quantitative metallographic investigations reveal that increasing the intensity of forced convection during the slurry preparation results in a promoted nucleation and reduced volume fraction of the primary phase solidified in the slurry maker.     

铸态镁合金AZ91D热压缩微观组织演变本构模型

在变形温度280~400℃、应变速率0.001~1 s~(-1)、最大变形量50%的条件下,采用等温压缩实验研究了铸态镁合金AZ91D塑性变形和微观组织演变行为。结果表明:AZ91D热压缩变形中发生了不同程度的动态再结晶,提高变形温度和降低变形速率有利于促进动态再结晶晶粒的形核和长大,动态再结晶体积分数随真应变增大呈现慢-快-慢的增长规律。在对实验数据回归分析的基础上,建立了AZ91D动态再结晶临界条件、动力学方程和晶粒尺寸预测模型,并通过定量金相实验结果验证了该模型的合理性。     

AZ91D镁合金等离子束重熔组织与性能(英文)

利用高能等离子束对AZ91D镁合金表面进行快速加热重熔处理,并对重熔层的显微组织、物相、硬度以及耐磨耐蚀性能进行分析。结果表明:在低放大倍数下,重熔层的组织为细小的枝晶,在高放大倍数下,晶粒为细小的等轴晶粒,尺寸为5~7μm;与基体相比,物相组成仍为α-Mg和β-Mg17Al12,但α-Mg相减少,β-Mg17Al12增加,且β-Mg17Al12相的分布更加均匀弥散;重熔层的显微硬度明显高于基体的显微硬度;重熔层拉伸断口与基体拉伸断口不同,有塑性变形痕迹以及由细小均匀韧窝组成的纤维状的撕裂痕,也有明显的晶粒拔出痕迹。等离子重熔处理提高了AZ91D镁合金的表面耐磨性和耐蚀性能。     

均匀化退火对AZ91D镁合金组织与性能的影响

为改善铸态AZ91D镁合金的不均匀组织,对铸态试样进行了均匀化退火处理.结果表明,经380-420℃, 8～40h的均匀化处理后,枝晶偏析大部分消除;再经缓慢冷却,β相以细小的针状或层片状脱溶析出.经布氏硬度测试,退火析出后合金硬度由铸态的67.5HB提高到80HB;力学性能测试结果表明,经均匀化退火处理后合金的屈服强度变化不大,抗拉强度由铸态的173MPa增加到259MPa,伸长率则由2%增加到8%.p相形态及分布的改变是AZ91D镁合金力学性能增强的主要原因.     

Effect of cerium on ignition point of AZ91D magnesium alloy

The surface and interior temperature-time curves of blocky cerium modified AZ91D magnesium alloy were measured during a non-protective heating and melting process. Two inflection points with rapid increase in temperature were found on both curves, which corresponded to the formation of ＂aulifiower＂ oxide on the surface and the occurrence of flame during melting. These two temperatures are therefore defined as oxidation point and ignition point, respectively. The interior temperature-time curve is similar to that measured on the surface except for a comparable time delay. The oxidation and ignition temperatures increase with Ce content, an average increase of 33℃ and 61℃ was found when Ce addition was about 1.0 wt %. However, the increasing rate of the oxidation and ignition temperature decreases with increasing Ce content. An addition of 0.6wt% Ce is recommended for ignition-resistant AZ91 magnesium alloy.     

温度对AZ91D镁合金表面渗镀铝涂层组织结构和性能的影响

采用脉冲偏压直流磁控溅射在AZ91D镁合金表面渗镀铝涂层,研究了渗镀温度对渗镀层组织结构和性能的影响。结果表明,渗镀铝涂层由铝沉积层和扩渗层组成,随渗镀温度升高,沉积层厚度变薄,扩渗层厚度增加;X衍射(XRD)分析表明,渗镀层主要由Al、Mg两相组成,在较高温度(450℃)时有少量的Al12Mg17相出现;渗镀层硬度沿深度呈梯度变化逐渐降低,随温度升高,渗镀层厚度增加,硬度梯度变化变缓,有利于膜基体系整体性能的提高。     

Hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of as-cast AZ91D magnesium alloy without pre-homogenization treatment

The deformation behavior and the microstruc-ture evolution of as-cast AZ91D magnesium alloy without pre-homogenization treatment were systematically inves-tigated. The flow stress behavior was studied by com-pression tests in strain rate range of 0.001-1.000 s^-1 and deformation temperature range of 220-380 ℃ with a maximum deformation strain of 60 %. The dependence of flow stress on deformation temperature and strain rate was described by hyperbolic sine constitutive equation. Through regression analysis, the average apparent activa- tion energy and coefficient of strain rate sensitivity were estimated to be 181.98 kJ.mol^-1 and 0.14, respectively. The results also reveal that the variation of peak stress depends on strain rate and deformation temperature. Microstructure observation shows that, at temperatures higher than 300 ℃ and strain rates lower than 0.01 s^-1, DRX developed extensively at the grain boundaries and in the core of coarse grains, resulting in a more homogeneous microstructure. Furthermore, the effects of strain, defor-mation temperature, strain rate, and eutectic β phase on the microstructure evolution of as-cast AZ91D magnesium alloy were discussed.     

Microstructure and properties of oxalate conversion coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy

The oxalate coating formed on AZ91D magnesium alloy by chemical conversion treatment methods in oxalate salt solutions was investigated. The surface morphologies and chemical composition of coating were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization curves and salt spray tests were employed to evaluate corrosion protection of the coating to substrate in 5% NaCl solution. The mechanism of coating formations was also considered in details. The results indicate that a compact and dense surface morphology with fine particle clusters of the oxalate coating on magnesium alloy is presented, which mainly consists of oxide or/and organic of Mg, Al and Zn. And the anti-corrosion of the magnesium after oxalate conversion treatment is better than that of the magnesium substrate. The results of salt spray test for oxalate coating is evaluated as Grade 9 according to ASTM B117. The electric resistance of oxalate chemical conversion coating to substrate is below 0.1 Ω.     

Microstructural evolution and tensile mechanical properties of thixoformed AZ91D magnesium alloy with the addition of yttrium

The microstructure evolution of AZ91D magnesium alloy in the semi-solid state has been proposed or reported in previous literature. However, no detailed investigation has been conducted regarding the relationship between the microstructure and tensile mechanical properties of the thixoformed AZ91D magnesium alloy. In this paper, the microstructure of AZ91D alloy with the addition of yttrium was produced by the semi-solid thermal transformation (SSTT) route and the strain-induced melt activation (SIMA) route, respectively. Isothermal holding experiments investigated grain coarsening and the degree of spheroidization as a function of holding time in the semi-solid state. The SSTT route and the SIMA route were used to obtain the semi-solid feedstock for thixoforming. The results show that solid particles of the SSTT alloy are spheroidized to some extent but the previous irregular shape is still obvious in some of them. While the SIMA alloy exhibits ideal, fine microstructure, in which completely spheroidized solid particles contain little entrapped liquid. The microstructure of the SSTT alloy is less spheroidized compared with the SIMA alloy under the similar isothermal holding condition. As the holding time increases, the mean solid particle size of the SSTT alloy decreases initially, then increases, while the mean solid particle size of the SIMA alloy increases monotonously at 560 °C. Compared with the SSTT alloy, the SIMA alloy obtains finer grains under the similar isothermal holding condition. The mechanical properties of the thixoformed AZ91D alloy with the addition of yttrium produced by the SIMA route are better than those of the thixoformed alloy produced by the SSTT route. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation for the thixoformed alloy produced by the SIMA route are 303.1 MPa, 147.6 MPa and 13.27%, respectively. The tensile properties for the AZ91D alloy with the addition of yttrium thixoformed from starting material produced by the SIMA route are better than those of the AZ91D alloy with the addition of yttrium thixoformed from starting material produced by the SSTT route.     

Mg-TiB2中间合金和Ca对AZ91D镁合金组织和性能的影响

采用SEM、EDS和XRD等测试手段,研究Mg-50%TiB2(质量分数)中间合金和碱土金属元素Ca对AZ91D镁合金组织和性能的影响。结果表明:0.7%TiB2和0.1%Ca可以显著细化AZ91D镁合金的枝晶组织和晶粒,α-Mg的平均晶粒尺寸由240μm下降至46μm。通过能谱分析及面错配度的计算证实:TiB2颗粒可作为初生α-Mg的良好异质形核核心。碱土金属元素Ca在晶界处富集,阻碍了α-Mg晶粒生长,对晶粒细化起到了一定的作用。显微组织的细化使合金的强韧性明显提高,并对耐腐蚀性能有较大改善。