Effect of heat-treatment on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg-10Zn-5Al-0.1Sb-xCu magnesium alloy

Abstract

The effects of the solution and aging treatment on microstructures and mechanical properties of the Mg-10Zn-5Al-0.1Sb-XCu cast magnesium alloys were investigated by brinell hardness measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy spectrum analyzing apparatus and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental results show that the strip-like τ-Mg₃₂ (Al, Zn)₄₉ phase is shown at the grain boundaries and Mg₂Cu phase become smaller, even granular after solution treatment at 350 °C for 24 h. By ageing treatment at 180 °C, the ternary strengthening phase (τ phase) precipitates gradually at or around grain boundary. With increasing aging time, the micro-hardness improves obviously and up to the maximum (105.9 HV) at aging time of 36 h. In addition, the tensile-strengths at room temperature and at an elevated temperature respectively reach 228 MPa and 176 MPa, which is increased by 20% and 10%, respectively.

Keywords

solution and aging / magnesium alloy / microstructure / mechanical property

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