Effects of Zn content on microstructures and mechanical properties of as cast Mg–Zn–Y–Zr alloys

Abstract

In the present work, the effects of Zn content on the microstructures and mechanical properties of as cast Mg–xZn–5Y–0·6Zr alloys (x?=?2, 5, 8 and 13 wt-%) have been investigated. The results show that the ternary Mg–Zn–Y phase compositions change with Zn/Y ratios induced by the change in Zn content. It is found that the fracture is mainly decided by the characteristics and distribution of second phase rather than the grain size. The influences of these phases, especially the W phase, on the mechanical properties of the alloys have been discussed. Both ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation decrease with the increase in Zn content, while the instance of yield strength (YS) is just the reverse. The W phase is easily cracked because of its brittleness and easy to result in decohesion from the matrix because of the weak atomic bonding, which greatly degrade the UTS and elongation. It can be concluded that the YS closely depends on the grain size, while UTS and elongation closely depend on the volume fraction of eutectic compound (α-Mg+W phase).     

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Zr–Dy wrought magnesium alloys

Microstructures and phase compositions of as-cast and extruded ZK60–xDy (x?= 0–5) alloys were analysed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Meanwhile, the tensile mechanical property was tested. With increasing Dy content, Mg–Zn–Dy new phase increases gradually, while MgZn₂ phase decreases gradually to disappear. As-cast microstructure is refined gradually; meanwhile extruded one is refined further with decreasing average grain size to 1 μm for ZK60–4·32Dy alloy. Second phase, tending to distribute along grain boundary by continuous network in as-cast state, breaks and distributes dispersedly in extrusion state. As-cast tensile mechanical property remains almost unchanged at ambient temperature; however, extruded ones are enhanced significantly at ambient and elevated temperatures, respectively. Tensile strength at 298 and 473 K increases gradually from 355 and 120 MPa for ZK60 alloy to 395 and 171 MPa for ZK60–4·32Dy alloy, respectively. Extruded tensile fractures exhibit a typical character of ductile fracture.     

Effect of heat treatment on strain–controlled fatigue behavior of cast Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy

The influence of heat treatment on the strain-controlled fatigue behavior of cast NZ30?K alloy was investigated. Compared with the as-cast and solutionized (T4) alloys, the peak-aged (T6) and over-aged (T7) counterparts have a higher cyclic stress and a lower plastic strain value due to the precipitation strengthening. The as-cast and T4-treated alloys have a higher fatigue strength/yield strength ratio than the aged alloys, which is mainly attributed to their higher cyclic hardening. Under stress-controlled loading, the aged alloys show lower hysteresis energies than the as-cast and T4-treated counterparts, leading to longer fatigue lifetimes. For the T4-treated alloy, the cyclic hardening and fatigue failure are controlled by the dislocations-slip and twinning, while for both the as-cast and T6-treated counterparts, they are controlled by the dislocation-slip. For the T7-treated alloy, cyclic deformation and failure behavior are mainly dependent on dislocations-slip and grain boundary sliding.     

Extrusion of AI–Zn–Mg–Cu–Zr alloys

Abstract

Four aluminium alloys of different zinc/magnesium ratio have been studied under various extrusion conditions. The alloys were cast in steel book moulds and subjected to initial thermomechanical treatments. Studies were made of hot extrusions and cold hydrostatic extrusions and in each case the changes in the extrusion parameters were analysed. An attempt has been made to explain some of the extrusion defects which appeared in various extruded sections. The extrusion speed was found to be crucial, since sections developed surface cracks at higher speeds. The extrusion speed was also found to vary inversely with the extrusion ratio, with higher speeds at low ratios. A well defined solute–depleted weld zone was observed on each of the four faces of a square tube extruded using a porthole die. Thermal treatment was not found to improve this weak weld zone. Tubes extruded using a floating-mandrel die withstood pressure testing up to 550 MPa.

MST/43     

Solidification behaviour and phase constituents of cast Mg–Zn–misch metal alloys

The solidification path and phase constituents of alloys in the magnesium-rich corner of the Mg–Zn–misch metal (MM) pseudo-ternary system have been investigated by a combination of differential thermal analysis, analytical electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The solidification behaviour diagram for this system was found to be dominated by a large two-phase (-Mg plus T-phase) field in which the lowest eutectic temperature was 500°C. T-phase has a c-centred orthorhombic crystal structure and exhibits a wide range of stoichiometry. The interdendritic eutectic phase in the pseudo-binary Mg–MM system is Mg12MM which has the same b c t structure as Mg12Ce. The eutectic temperature here is 593°C.     

Improvement of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of biodegradable Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloys by double extrusion

Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy is a novel and promising biodegradable magnesium alloy due to good biocompatibility, desired uniform corrosion mode and outstanding corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid (SBF). However, the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties should be improved to meet the requirement of the biodegradable implants, such as plates, screws and cardiovascular stents. In the present study, double extrusion process was adopted to refine microstructure and improve mechanical properties of Mg–2.25Nd–0.11Zn–0.43Zr and Mg–2.70Nd–0.20Zn–0.41Zr alloys. The corrosion resistance of the alloys after double extrusion was also studied. The results show that the microstructure of the alloys under double extrusion becomes much finer and more homogeneous than those under once extrusion. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the alloys under double extrusion are over 270 MPa, 300 MPa and 32%, respectively, indicating that outstanding mechanical properties of Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy can be obtained by double extrusion. The results of immersion experiment and electrochemical measurements in SBF show that the corrosion resistance of Alloy 1 and Alloy 2 under double extrusion was increased by 7% and 8% respectively compared with those under just once extrusion.     

Low cycle fatigue resistance of Al–Li alloys

Abstract

Low cycle fatigue (LCF) resistance data from binary Al–Li, ternary Al–Li–Cu, and quaternary Al–Li–Cu–Mg alloys have been compiled and discussed. The LCF resistance is measured in terms of the variation of the number of reversals to failure 2N _fwith the plastic strain amplitude Δ? _p /2 as well as a modified average plastic strain energy per cycle (ΔW _p )_modified , obtained at different applied total strain amplitudes (Δ? _t /2). The data show the effects of microstructural features, namely dominant strengthening precipitates and the degree of recrystallisation as well as crystallographic texture. Lithium content, when in excess of 2·5 wt-%in aluminium decreases the low cycle fatigue resistance the most. The degree of aging, the degree of recrystallisation, and the degree of texture also influence the LCF resistance; among which the effect of the degree of aging is the most pronounced. The effects of lithium content in aluminium solid solution and strengthening precipitates obtainable by the change in the Li/Cu ratio are found to be marginal. Based on a modified total cyclic plastic strain energy till fracture, it is shown that most of the Al–Li alloys exhibit degradation in their LCF resistance in both hypotransition (higher fatigue lives) and hypertransition (lower fatigue lives) regions. Such degradation is attributed to the combined effects of mechanical fatigue, strain localisation through dislocation–precipitate interaction, environmental effects, and finally strain localisation through the high angle grain boundaries. In comparison with the currently used 2XXX and 7XXX series aluminium alloys, Al–Li alloys require substantial improvement before they can be considered for fatigue critical applications.     

In vitro degradation behavior and cytocompatibility of Mg–Zn–Zr alloys

Zinc and zirconium were selected as the alloying elements in biodegradable magnesium alloys, considering their strengthening effect and good biocompatibility. The degradation rate, hydrogen evolution, ion release, surface layer and in vitro cytotoxicity of two Mg–Zn–Zr alloys, i.e. ZK30 and ZK60, and a WE-type alloy (Mg–Y–RE–Zr) were investigated by means of long-term static immersion testing in Hank’s solution, non-static immersion testing in Hank’s solution and cell-material interaction analysis. It was found that, among these three magnesium alloys, ZK30 had the lowest degradation rate and the least hydrogen evolution. A magnesium calcium phosphate layer was formed on the surface of ZK30 sample during non-static immersion and its degradation caused minute changes in the ion concentrations and pH value of Hank’s solution. In addition, the ZK30 alloy showed insignificant cytotoxicity against bone marrow stromal cells as compared with biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HA) and the WE-type alloy. After prolonged incubation for 7 days, a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation was observed. The results of the present study suggested that ZK30 could be a promising material for biodegradable orthopedic implants and worth further investigation to evaluate its in vitro and in vivo degradation behavior.     

Microstructure and tensile properties of squeeze cast Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

Abstract

It is well known that wrought aluminium alloys have tensile properties superior to those of the cast products. Wrought grade alloys cannot usually be produced by conventional casting processes to attain the same level of tensile properties. However, progress in casting methods in recent years has made it possible to produce wrought alloys by means of squeeze casting techniques. In the present study an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy has been produced by squeeze casting. Tensile properties close to those of wrought products have been achieved by controlling the microstructure, pressure, and other processing parameters.     

Influence of Y on the phase composition and mechanical properties of as-extruded Mg–Zn–Y–Zr magnesium alloys

The influence of Y on the microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties of the extruded Mg–6Zn–xY–0.6Zr (x = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, in wt%) alloys has been investigated and compared by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and tensile testing. The increase in Y content has shown grain refinement effects on the microstructure morphologies of the extruded alloys. However, when the content of Y exceeds 2.2 wt%, the grain refinement effect of the Y is not obvious any more with the increase of the Y content. The quasicrystal I-phase (Mg₃YZn₆), face-centred cubic structure W-phase (Mg₃Y₂Zn₃) and a long period stacking ordered (LPSO) X-phase (Mg₁₂YZn) can precipitate in different ranges of Y/Zn ratio (in at.%) when the Y content in the Mg–Zn–Y–Zr alloys is varied. Comparison of the mechanical properties of the alloys showed that the different ternary Mg–Zn–Y phases have different strengthening and toughening effects on the Mg–Zn–Y–Zr alloys in the following order: X-phase > I-phase > W-phase > MgZn₂.     

Mechanical and bio-corrosion properties of quaternary Mg–Ca–Mn–Zn alloys compared with binary Mg–Ca alloys

Binary Mg–xCa alloys and the quaternary Mg–Ca–Mn–xZn were studied to investigate their bio-corrosion and mechanical properties. The surface morphology of specimens was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results of mechanical properties show that the yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation of quaternary alloy increased significantly with the addition of zinc (Zn) up to 4 wt.%. However, further addition of Zn content beyond 4 wt.% did not improve yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. In contrast, increasing calcium (Ca) content has a deleterious effect on binary Mg–Ca alloys. Compression tests of the magnesium (Mg) alloys revealed that the compression strength of quaternary alloy was higher than that of binary alloy. However, binary Mg–Ca alloy showed higher reduction in compression strength after immersion in simulated body fluid. The bio-corrosion behaviour of the binary and quaternary Mg alloys were investigated using immersion tests and electrochemical tests. Electrochemical tests shows that the corrosion potential (E_corr) of binary Mg–2Ca significantly shifted toward nobeler direction from −1996.8 to −1616.6 mV_SCE with the addition of 0.5 wt.% manganese (Mn) and 2 wt.% Zn content. However, further addition of Zn to 7 wt.% into quaternary alloy has the reverse effect. Immersion tests show that the quaternary alloy accompanied by two secondary phases presented higher corrosion resistance compared to binary alloys with single secondary phase. The degradation behaviour demonstrates that Mg–2Ca–0.5Mn–2Zn alloy had the lowest degradation rate among quaternary alloys. In contrast, the binary Mg–2Ca alloy demonstrated higher corrosion rates, with Mg–4Ca alloy having the highest rating. Our analysis showed the Mg–2Ca–0.5Mn–2Zn alloy with suitable mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance can be used as biodegradable implants.     

Effects of Zn on microstructure,mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Mg–Zn alloys

In this study, binary Mg–Zn alloys were fabricated with high-purity raw materials and by a clean melting process. The effects of Zn on the microstructure, mechanical property and corrosion behavior of the as-cast Mg–Zn alloys were studied using direct observations, tensile testing, immersion tests and electrochemical evaluations. Results indicate that the microstructure of Mg–Zn alloys typically consists of primary α-Mg matrix and MgZn intermetallic phase mainly distributed along grain boundary. The improvement in mechanical performances for Mg–Zn alloys with Zn content until 5% of weight is corresponding to fine grain strengthening, solid solution strengthening and second phase strengthening. Polarization test has shown the beneficial effect of Zn element on the formation of a protective film on the surface of alloys. Mg–5Zn alloy exhibits the best anti-corrosion property. However, further increase of Zn content until 7% of weight deteriorates the corrosion rate which is driven by galvanic couple effect.     

Effects of Y and Zn/Y on hot tearing susceptibility of Mg–Zn–Y–Zr alloys

The effects of Y and Zn/Y on hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) of Mg–6.5Zn–xY–0.5Zr (x?=?4, 9, 12 and 18) and Mg–5Zn–13.5Y–0.5Zr alloys were investigated herein. The results illustrated that HTS of the investigated alloys decreased in the following order: Mg–6.5Zn–4Y–0.5Zr?>?Mg–6.5Zn–18Y–0.5Zr?>?Mg–6.5Zn–9Y–0.5Zr?>?Mg–6.5Zn–12Y–0.5Zr?>?Mg–5Zn–13.5Y–0.5Zr. The results also showed that HTS of the α-Mg-based alloy containing only LPSO phase was lower than that of the alloy containing only W-phase and (I+W) or (W+LPSO) mixed secondary phases. This was attributed to the coherence relationship between LPSO phase and α-Mg, and the bridging effect of LPSO phase.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Gd–Zr alloys with low gadolinium contents

Mg–xGd–0.6Zr (x = 2, 4, and 6% mass fraction) alloys were synthesized by semi-continuous casting process. The effects of gadolinium content and aging time on microstructures and mechanical properties of the Mg–xGd–0.6Zr alloys were investigated. The results show that the microstructures of the as-cast GKx (x = 2, 4, and 6%) alloys are typical grain structures and no Gd dendritic segregation. In as-cast Mg–6Gd–0.6Zr alloy, the second phases Mg_5.05Gd, Mg₂Gd, and Mg₃Gd will form due to non-equilibrium solidification during the casting process, and these second phases will disappear after hot-extrusion. The residual compressive stress exists in alloys after extrusion and increases with increasing Gd content. The existence of residual compressive stress contributes to the tensile strength. The elongation of all extruded alloys is over 30%, and the ultimate and yield tensile strength of the Mg–6Gd–0.6Zr alloy are 237 and 168 MPa, respectively. After isothermal aging for 10 h, the strength of extruded Mg–6Gd–0.6Zr alloys increases slightly, however, the elongation of alloys rarely decreases. The fracture mechanism of all studied alloys is ductile fracture.     

Relationships between microstructure and fatigue crack propagation paths in Al–Si–Mg cast alloys

Fatigue crack propagation of long and small cracks was investigated for hypoeutectic and eutectic Al–Si–Mg cast alloys. Crack propagation behavior in the near-threshold regime and Regions II and III was related to microstructural constituents namely primary α-Al dendrites and volume fraction and morphology of eutectic Si. Long crack thresholds reflect combined closure effects of global residual stress and microstructure/roughness. The small crack threshold behavior is explained through closure independent mechanisms, specifically through the barrier effects of characteristic microstructural features specific to each alloy. In Regions II and III changes in fracture surface roughness are associated with different crack propagation mechanisms at the microstructure scale. The extent of the plastic zone ahead of the crack tip was successfully used to explain the observed changes in crack propagation mechanisms.     

Development of microstructure in cast Mg–AI–rare earth alloys

Abstract

The microstructures and age hardening behaviours of a series of Mg–Al–rare earth (RE) alloys that had been either pressure die cast or permanent mould cast were investigated by SEM and analytical TEM. Two types of phases, Al₄MM and Al₁₂Mg₁₇, were found in the as cast alloys and no pseudoternary Mg–Al–RE phases were present. The Al₄MM phase was thermally stable during solution treatment at temperatures as high as 500°C, whereas Al₁₂Mg₁₇ partially dissolved in the α-Mg matrix during solution treatment at 420°C. No rare earth containing precipitates formed during heat treatment of the investigated alloys but two types of Al₁₂Mg₁₇ precipitation took place. Colonies of discontinuous precipitation containing alternate lamellae of α-Mg and Al₁₂Mg₁₇ formed preferentially in regions α-Mg with high aluminium content. Spheroidisation and coarsening of the discontinuous precipitates occurred after aging at 200°C. Continuous precipitation of Al₁₂Mg₁₇ also occurred and these precipitates had a rodlike morphology and grew in preferred crystallographic directions.

MST/3382     

Effect of Zn concentration on the microstructures and mechanical properties of extruded Mg–7Y–4Gd–0.4Zr alloys

Microstructures and mechanical properties of the Mg–7Y–4Gd–xZn–0.4Zr (x = 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 5 wt.%) alloys in the as-cast, as-extruded, and peak-aged conditions have been investigated by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the peak-aged Mg–7Y–4Gd–1.5Zn–0.4Zr alloys have the highest strength after aging at 220 °C. The highest ultimate tensile strength and yield tensile strength are 418 and 320 MPa, respectively. The addition of 1.5 wt.% Zn to the based alloys results in a greater aging effect and better mechanical properties at both room and elevated temperatures. The improved mechanical properties are mainly ascribed to both a fine β′ phase and a long periodic stacking-ordered structure, which coexist together in the peak-aged alloys.     

Thermal properties of Mg–Li and Mg–Li–Al alloys

Abstract

The present work is a study of the thermal properties of Mg–xLi–y Al with x= 4, 8 and 12 wt-% and y= 0, 3 and 5 wt-% as a function of temperature in the range 20–375°C. The thermal diffusivity and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) have been measured and the thermal conductivity calculated. The thermal diffusivity of all alloys decreases with an increasing content of lithium. The CTE of the single phase alloys Mg–4Li and Mg–12Li has a linear character, and the CTE of Mg–12Li is higher than that of Mg–4Li. The influence of thermal stresses in the two phase alloy Mg–8Li is perceptible in terms of temperature dependence of the CTE. In Mg–4Li–3Al and Mg–4Li–5Al, an influence of the solution of AlLi phase on all the studied thermal properties has been found.     

Microstructure,mechanical properties and machinability of Cu–Zn–Mg and Cu–Zn–Sb brass alloys

Lead-free alloys have attracted great attentions recently due to the toxic nature of lead for the human body. In this study, low amounts of Mg and Sb were added to the Cu65–Zn35 brass and microstructure, mechanical properties and machinability of samples were compared to Cu65–Zn35 brass. Both Mg and Sb led to the promotion of β′ phase as well as the formation of new ternary copper rich intermetallic particles. It was found that these particles had a significant role in the reduction of the ultimate tensile strength, toughness, work hardening and elongation while increasing the hardness of samples. Results of machinability evaluation of samples showed that the cutting forces were decreased significantly and morphology of chips were improved compared to Cu65–Zn35 brass sample.     

Enhancing mechanical properties of Mg–Sn alloys by combining addition of Ca and Zn

We developed new wrought Mg–2Sn–1Ca wt.% (TX21) and Mg–2Sn–1Ca–2Zn wt.% (TXZ212) alloys with high strength and ductility simultaneously, produced by conventional casting, homogenization and indirect extrusion. A partial dynamically recrystallized microstructure, with the micron-/nano-MgSnCa particles and G.P. zones dispersing, was obtained in TX21 alloy extruded at 260 °C (TX21-260). The TX21-260 alloy exhibited yield strength (YS) of 269 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 305 MPa, while those of the TX21 alloy extruded at 300 °C decreased to be 207 MPa and 230 MPa respectively. For TXZ212-260 alloy, on the other hand, MgSnCa, MgZnCa and MgZn₂ phases were observed, and the average grain size increased to be ∼5 μm. The YS and UTS of TXZ212-260 alloy evolved to be 218 MPa and 285 MPa, and the elongation (EL) reached as high as 23%. The high strengths of TX21-260 alloy were expected due to the high number density of nano-MgSnCa phases, G.P. zones and ultra-fine grain size (∼0.8 μm). The high EL of 23% in TXZ212-260 alloy was consistent with the high work-hardening rate, which was attributed to the larger grain size, more high angular grain boundaries, presence of more nano-particles and the weaker texture.