Microstructure‐texture‐fracture toughness property correlation in annealed Al‐6Mg alloy with minor scandium and zirconium additions

The effect of minor addition of scandium and zirconium on the fracture toughness (FT) behaviour of aluminium‐6 wt% magnesium alloy is studied. Texture measurement and transmission electron microscopy have revealed that the evolution of texture in cast alloys after annealing is decided by the morphology and character of the precipitates. It is further demonstrated that the said minor addition influences the FT behaviour of Al‐6Mg alloy by manipulating in‐plane anisotropy as decided by the precipitate morphology. Textural situation in annealed state has also been related to the FT behaviour.     

Effect of solid solution state of zirconium and Al3Zr (L12) precipitates on the recrystallization behavior of Al-0.2 wt.%Zr alloy

Effect of homogenization annealing on the existence form of zirconium in Al-0.2wt.%Zr alloy and effect of various existence form of zirconium on the recrystallization behavior of Al-0.2wt.%Zr cold-rolled (total deformation is 92.8 %) sheet are studied. The results show that large numbers of nearly spherical Al₃Zr (L1₂) nanoparticles precipitated from aluminum matrix after homogenizing at 475 °C for 24 h. Moreover, due to the precipitation of Al₃Zr particles, the hardness and electrical conductivity of the as-cast Al-0.2wt.%Zr alloy is increased from 25.1±0.5 HV 3 and 54.0±0.2 %IACS to 28.6±0.7 HV 3 and 56.2±0.1 %IACS, respectively. Hence, zirconium exists as solid solution state in the as-cast Al-0.2wt.%Zr alloy and metastable Al₃Zr phase in the homogenized alloy. Moreover, the recrystallization temperature of the pure aluminum without addition of zirconium is 300 °C, while the recrystallization temperature of the Al-0.2wt.%Zr alloy without and with homogenization is about 350 °C and 400 °C, respectively. Obviously, the solid solution state of zirconium has certain effect on retarding the recrystallization of aluminum alloy, while the nanometer Al₃Zr particles can inhibit the recrystallization of aluminum alloy effectively and increase the recrystallization temperature remarkably.     

Microstructures and corrosion resistance of as‐cast aluminum‐10 wt.% silicon and aluminum‐20 wt.% silicon alloys

The microstructures and corrosion resistance of two as‐cast alloys, aluminum‐10 wt.% silicon hypoeutectic alloy and aluminum‐20 wt.% silicon (weight percent) hypereutectic alloy are investigated by conventional casting, the scanning electron microscope equipped with oxford X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy system and transmission electron microscope are applied for analysis. The results show that the microstructures change from the strip‐like into lump shape with the increase of silicon content from 10 % to 20 %. The electrochemical polarization curves prove that the aluminum‐20 wt.% hypereutectic silicon alloy had the better resistance with the corrosion potential of ?1.414 V and corrosion current density of 5.41 ? 10^?5 ampere compared with the aluminum‐10 wt.% silicon hypoeutectic alloy.     

Development of Creep Resistant Mg‐Gd‐Sc Alloys with Low Sc Content

High thermal stability and good mechanical properties are crucial for the wider future application of magnesium alloys. One of the most promising directions is the alloying of Mg with rare earth elements as Gd. The fine dispersion of metastable β′ phase (c‐base centred orthorhombic, a = 0.641 nm, b = 2.223 nm, c = 0.521 nm), already known from commercially successful WE alloys (Mg‐Y‐Nd‐Zr), precipitated in all three possible orientation modes during T6 treatment causes very pronounced age hardening in binary Mg‐Gd system and inhibits very effectively the dislocation motion during the creep. The stable β phase (Mg₅Gd, f.c.c. structure, a = 2.234 nm) ensures the creep resistance comparable to WE alloys. A high content of Gd (above 10 wt.%) is necessary to attain the required microstructure. The addition of Sc (below 1 wt.%) and Mn (about 1.5 wt.%) suppresses the solubility of Gd in Mg considerably. The complex precipitation process involving the precipitation of very stable Mn₂Sc, Mn and Gd containing phase and metastable β′ phase is responsible for superior creep properties of MgGd5Sc0.3Mn1 alloy at elevated temperatures. Even at 300°C the creep resistance is markedly better than for WE43 alloy. The increased Gd and Sc contents in MgGd10Sc0.8Mn1 alloy do not further improve the creep resistance.     

Magnesium addition in copper‐chromium alloys: The refinement of aging precipitates and improvement on mechanical properties

Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of copper‐chromium and copper‐ chromium‐magnesium alloys by melting and casting process and explore the effect of the magnesium addition on mechanical and electrical properties of the alloys. This article focuses on the variation of the precipitation sequence and the decrease of strengthening phase sizes induced by the addition of trace magnesium element. The results show that magnesium element has little effect on the hardness of copper‐chromium alloy, but it significantly improves the hardness of the aging alloy and maintains high conductivity. The addition of magnesium element inhibits the growth and structural transformation of the precipitated phase. The refinement impact of magnesium addition on precipitated phase and change in alloy precipitation sequence may be the main reasons for the high hardness of copper‐chromium‐ magnesium alloy. In addition, the magnesium addition shows a significant refinement effect on small size precipitation phase, but it does not present the same refinement effect on large size precipitation phase. This attributes to the presence of a semi‐coherent interface between the matrix and the large size of precipitates, which provides the dislocation‐based diffusion channels for high‐rate chromium diffusion and promotes the precipitate growth.     

Herstellung und Eigenschaften einer SiC‐partikelverstärkten AM20 Magnesiumbasis‐Legierung

Production and characteristics of a SiC‐particle reinforced AM20 magnesium alloy In despite of the increasing interest of the industry in extremely lightweight materials during the last years an intensive industrial use of those materials due to the their restricted cold‐workability caused by the hexagonal lattice is still very limited. The application of magnesium alloys is still a problem due to thier low modulus of elasticity, low creep strength, as well as low hardness and wear‐resisting qualities. To improve the mechanical properties and the modulus of elasticity particle reinforcement showing quasi‐isotropic characteristics turned out to be an outstanding solution possibility for an economical optimization of the characteristics of magnesium alloys. In this contribution the production process of an MMC magnesium alloy charging SiC particles directly into the magnesium melt with simultaneous stirring action is described. In addition to the procedure to select optimal stirring parameters a comparison of the improved characteristics of a particle reinforced AM20 magnesium alloy as cast and as extruded with the unmodified AM20 alloy will be carried out. With regard to an improved forgeability, a forged chain wheel consisting of particle reinforced AM20 magnesium alloy is shown.     

Low‐cycle fatigue behavior of a newly developed cast aluminum alloy for automotive applications

The drive for increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing anthropogenic greenhouse effect via lightweighting leads to the development of several new Al alloys. The effect of Mn and Fe addition on the microstructure of Al‐Mg‐Si alloy in as‐cast condition was investigated. The mechanical properties including strain‐controlled low‐cycle fatigue characteristics were evaluated. The microstructure of the as‐cast alloy consisted of globular primary α‐Al phase and characteristic Mg₂Si‐containing eutectic structure, along with Al₈(Fe,Mn)₂Si particles randomly distributed in the matrix. Relative to several commercial alloys including A319 cast alloy, the present alloy exhibited superior tensile properties without trade‐off in elongation and improved fatigue life due to the unique microstructure with fine grains and random textures. The as‐cast alloy possessed yield stress, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation of about 185 MPa, 304 MPa, and 6.3%, respectively. The stress‐strain hysteresis loops were symmetrical and approximately followed Masing behavior. The fatigue life of the as‐cast alloy was attained to be higher than that of several commercial cast and wrought Al alloys. Cyclic hardening occurred at higher strain amplitudes from 0.3% to 0.8%, while cyclic stabilization sustained at lower strain amplitudes of ≤0.2%. Examination of fractured surfaces revealed that fatigue crack initiated from the specimen surface/near‐surface, and crack propagation occurred mainly in the formation of fatigue striations.     

Role of C and Fe in Grain Refinement of an AZ63B Magnesium Alloy by Al-C Master Alloy

1. IntroductionMagnesium alloys have been utilized as structural ma-terial replacing other metals and plastics in the electronicand automobile industries because of their light weightand high recyclability. Grain refinement[1~9] is an im-portant method to improve their mechanical propertiesand workability.Mg-Al based alloys are the most common commer-cial magnesium alloys, and grain-refining treatment isgenerally required. Carbon addition[10~17] and Elfinalprocess[18~22] are the two major gra…     

Gerichtet erstarrte Mo‐Zr‐B‐Legierungen

Two high temperature alloys, namely Mo‐13Zr‐25.9B and Mo‐17.4Zr‐34.8B (in at. %), which were specified as eutectic compositions according to the literature were produced with a zone melting (ZM) method [1, 2]. Investigations with a scanning electron microscope demonstrated that the microstructures of both alloys are not completely eutectic. The alloy Mo‐13Zr‐25.9B shows well‐aligned arrangements of their microstructural constituents along the crystallization direction. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the phases molybdenum solid solution and zirconium monoboride (ZrB) in each alloy and, additionally, in alloy Mo‐13Zr‐25.9B the phases Mo₂Zr and dimolybdenum boride (Mo₂B) and in alloy Mo‐17.4Zr‐34.8B the phase zirconium diboride (ZrB₂). Moreover, the microhardness of the individual phases was measured. The fracture toughness of both materials was determined using the SEVNB method according to DIN EN ISO 23146. Finally, the creep resistance of the alloys was tested at 1100 °C under compressive loading and compared with other molybdenum alloys and a single‐crystalline nickel based superalloy.     

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.     

Mechanical properties of the hot-rolled Mg–12Gd–3Y magnesium alloy

Tensile and high cycle fatigue (HCF) properties of the hot-rolled Mg–12Gd–3Y (wt.%) magnesium alloy have been investigated. The magnesium alloy exhibits a fatigue strength of about 150 MPa, which is much higher than that of the commercial Mg–8Al–Zn alloy AZ80. Aging heat-treatment (T5) improved the fatigue life of the Mg–12Gd–3Y alloy. Fatigue cracks nucleated at the intense slip bands in the as-rolled alloy. After T5 treatment, however, the fatigue crack nucleation site shifted to the phase boundaries between MgGdY particles and Mg matrix. T5 heat-treatment retarded the crack initiation and thus improved the fatigue life of the Mg–12Gd–3Y alloy.     

Effect of Zr on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Mg–10Gd–3Y magnesium alloy

The influence of Zr on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Mg–10Gd–3Y (wt.%) magnesium alloy was investigated. The grain size of alloys decreased with Zr content from 0% to 0.93% (wt.%). The addition of Zr greatly improved the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the elongation (EL), while slightly improved the tensile yield strength (TYS). The UTS and the EL of the alloy containing 0.93% Zr increased by 125.8 MPa and 6.96% compared with base alloy, respectively. The corrosion resistances were found to decrease with Zr content from 0% to 0.42% and then increase from 0.42% to 0.93%. The differences in the sizes and distributions of the Zr-rich particles have significant effects on the corrosion behaviors. The alloy with 0.42% Zr addition revealed the optimum combination of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.     

Elektrolytische Abscheidung von Aluminium‐Magnesium‐Legierungen aus aluminiumorganischen Komplexelektrolyten

Electrolytic Deposition of Aluminium‐Magnesium‐Alloys from Electrolytes Containing Organo‐Aluminium Complexes The galvanic deposition of pure aluminium from fluoride‐containing electrolytes has been developed further and for the first time aluminium and magnesium have been deposited from a toluene‐solution of a halide‐free organo‐aluminium complex electrolyte. The rate of incorporation of magnesium can be controlled over a wide range by either adjusting the composition of the aluminium‐magnesium anode or by using separate aluminium or magnesium anodic circuits. The current efficiency for both anode and cathode approaches 100%. The resulting coating is optically attractive and, depending upon the magnesium‐content or the cathodic current density, can be formed as a dull or polished surface. Investigations using an electron microscope show that the surface, in contrast to that of pure aluminium, consists of spherical particles. The aluminium‐magnesium coating provides excellent protection against the corrosion of magnesium components. Electrochemical investigations using, for example 25% by weight magnesium incorporation, indicate a pronounced passivity interval compared to the alloy AZ91hp. In contrast to galvanic zinc‐plated and silicate‐sealed examples, cyclic corrosion tests on screws simulating 10 years of exposure, show no corrosion.     

Effect of boron on microstructure and mechanical properties of eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy modified with phosphorus

In order to understand the effect of boron on the microstructure and mechanical properties of eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy modified with phosphorus, complex modification of eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy by aluminum‐3phosphorus and aluminum‐3boron was conducted. The results show that the area fraction of primary α‐aluminum in eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy modified with aluminum‐3phosphorus increased first and then decreased with increasing amounts of aluminum‐3boron. The area fraction and the size of primary silicon decreased rapidly first and then stabilized. The morphology of eutectic silicon transformed from needle‐like into fine short rods or granules after complex modification with aluminum‐3phosphorus and aluminum‐3boron. The ultimate tensile strength of the alloy modified with 0.4 wt.% aluminum‐3phosphorus and 0.2 wt.% aluminum‐3boron increased by 18 %, compared with that of the eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy modified with aluminum‐3phosphorus, while the elongation decreased by 5 %. It was concluded that the comprehensive mechanical properties of eutectic aluminum‐silicon alloy were improved.     

Mg-TiB2中间合金和Sr对AZ91D镁合金显微组织的细化

采用SEM、EDS和XRD等测试手段研究了粉末原位合成法制备的Mg-50%TiB2(质量分数,下同)中间合金的组织和结构,以及Mg-50%TiB2和Sr对AZ91D镁合金显微组织的细化效果。结果表明,1.4%(Mg-50%TiB2)中间合金和0.1%Sr的复合添加可使AZ91D镁合金的α-Mg晶粒尺寸由基体合金的240μm降至49μm。通过面错配度计算证实TiB2可成为初生-αMg的良好异质核心。加入碱土元素Sr引起合金成分过冷度增加,从而激活固/液界面前沿潜在的TiB2核心,提高TiB2的形核率。     

Fabrication of Al and Al/Ti coatings on magnesium alloy by sputtering

Multi-magnetron sputtering was applied to prepare aluminum coating and aluminum/titanium multilayer coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy. FESEM, AFM and XRD were used to investigate the morphology and phase structure of these obtained coatings. Aluminum coating presented a (111) preferred texture and this texture was strongly strengthened with the Ti(002) plane as template in Al/Ti multilayer coating. The top surface of Al/Ti-coated sample took on a round roof-like morphology compared to the pyramid-like morphology of Al-coated sample. The result of polarization tests showed that both Al coating and Al/Ti multilayer coating could improve the corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution.     

Effects of Al–5Ti–1B and Al–5Zr master alloys on the structure, hardness and tensile properties of a highly alloyed aluminum alloy

This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of Al–5Ti–1B and Al–5Zr master alloys on the structural characteristics and tensile properties of Al–12Zn–3 Mg–2.5Cu aluminum alloy. The optimum amount for Ti and Zr containing master alloys was selected as 1 wt.% and 6 wt.%, respectively. The results also showed that Ti containing master alloy is more effective in reducing average grain size of the alloy. T6 heat treatment was applied for all specimens before tensile testing. In heat treated condition, the average tensile strength of 505 MPa was found to be increased to 621 MPa for sample refined with 1 wt.% Al–5Ti–1B (0.05 wt.% Ti). SEM fractography of the fractured faces of several castings showed an overall macroscopically brittle appearance at low magnifications. At higher magnifications, unrefined specimens showed cracking along the grains, whereas Ti-refined specimens showed cracks in individual intermetallic compounds.     

Preliminary investigations about effects of Zr, Sc and Ce additions on as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-3Sn-1Mn (wt.%) magnesium alloy

In this paper, the effects of Zr, Sc and Ce additions on the as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-3Sn-1Mn (wt.%) magnesium alloy were preliminarily investigated and compared. The results indicate that adding 0.36 wt.% Sc and 0.87 wt.% Ce to the Mg-3Sn-1Mn alloy, respectively leads to the formation of the extra phases of Mg-Sn-Sc and Mg₁₂Ce while adding 0.43 wt.% Zr does not cause the formation of any new phases. At the same time, adding 0.43 wt.% Zr or 0.87 wt.% Ce can refine the grains while adding 0.36 wt.% Sc coarsens the grains. Among the Zr- and Ce-containing alloys, the grains of the latter are relatively finer than those of the former. In addition, adding 0.43 wt.% Zr, 0.36 wt.% Sc and 0.87 wt.% Ce to the Mg-3Sn-1Mn alloy can improve the tensile and/or creep properties of the alloy. However, the addition of 0.43 wt.% Zr is not beneficial to the creep properties. Among the Zr-, Sc- and Ce-containing alloys, the alloy with the addition of 0.87 wt.% Ce exhibits the optimal tensile and creep properties.     

Influence of an axial uniform magnetic field on the solid/liquid interface curvature and macrosegregation in directionally solidified the Al–0.85 wt.% Cu alloy

Effect of a uniform magnetic field on the solid/liquid interface curvature and macrosegregation in directionally solidified the Al–0.85 wt.% Cu alloy has been investigated. Results show that the interface curvature and macrosegregation increase to a maximum when B is about 0.1 T; and then decreases as B still increases. This is good agreement with the computed velocities of the thermoelectric magnetic convection. Above results reveal that the uniform magnetic field induces the new convection and further modifies the interface curvature and macrosegregation.     

Processing and properties of a new biodegradable Mg−Zn−Ca−Zr alloy

Magnesium alloys are used for degradable orthopaedic and cardiovascular implants due to their favourable mechanical and biological properties, degradation ability in physiological environment and stimulatory effect on the new bone formation. The research challenges are related to the increase of biological and mechanical compatibility. For the present study, a magnesium based alloy design was conducted to the following chemical composition: Mg?2.7Zn?1Ca?0.6Zr (wt.%). A complex thermomechanical processing route was applied: a plastic deformation by extrusion at various temperatures and deformation degrees (400 °C–480 °C, ? = 20 %–40 %), followed by various final heat treatments at 200 °C–400 °C for 10 min–60 min. Further, the influence of processing parameters upon the structure, mechanical properties and biological response was studied. Processed specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (secondary electron imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy) and mechanically by tensile tests. The most representative results were obtained for the samples extruded at 450 °C/? = 20 %, followed by a final heat treatment at 350 °C/15 min, air cooling. Further, for samples which revealed promising results, in‐vitro testing was developed. Biocompatibility testing of the Mg?2.7Zn?1Ca?0.6Zr (wt.%) alloy was realized by indirect contact studies using the Vero (ATCC® CCL‐81?, American Type Culture Collection) cell line. Cells morphologies, cell viability and proliferation were evaluated.