Effects of Y addition on as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–3Sn–2Ca (wt.%) magnesium alloy

In this paper, the effects of Y addition on the as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of the Mg–3Sn–2Ca (wt.%) magnesium alloy were investigated. The results indicate that adding 0.5 wt.%Y to the Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloy does not cause the formation of any new phases. However, the MgSnY phase is formed in the Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloys added 1.0 wt.% or 1.5 wt.%Y. Furthermore, adding 0.5–1.5 wt.%Y to the Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloy not only can suppress the formation of the CaMgSn phase but also can refine the CaMgSn phase. In addition, adding 0.5–1.5 wt.%Y to the Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloy can effectively improve the tensile and creep properties of the alloy. The improvement of the properties for the Y-containing Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloys is possibly attributed to the refinement of the CaMgSn phase.