Research on microstructures of sub-rapidly solidified AZ61 Magnesium Alloy

AZ61 magnesium alloy foils of 0.5-3.0 mm thick were successfully produced by using sub-rapid solidification technique. Microstructures of conventionally solidified (CS) and sub-rapidly solidified (sub-RS) alloys were examined by optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the cellular grain of 1.8-13.5 μm can be obtained during sub-rapid solidification process. Phase compositions and microdistribution of the alloying elements in the foils were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), respectively. The eutectic transformation L → α-Mg + β-Mg17Al12 and microsegregation in conventionally solidified AZ61 alloy were remarkably suppressed in sub-rapid solidification process. As a consequence, the alloying elements Al, Zn, Mn showed much higher solid solubility and the sub-rapid solidification microstructures dominantly consisted of supersaturated α-Mg solid solution. Meanwhile, the β-Mg17Al12 phases located in the α-Mg grain boundaries are largely decreased due to high solidification cooling rate.