Effect of addition of Sn on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–MM (misch-metal) alloys

The effects of addition of Sn on the microstructure and mechanical properties of rolled Mg–MM alloy sheets have been investigated. The secondary solidification phase in Mg–MM alloy changes dramatically with addition of Sn forming small size rod-shaped phase. Although the strength of alloy is decreased with addition of Sn, the ductility is improved when the small rod-shaped phase forms in Mg-rich Mg–MM–Sn alloys due to the sound interface without forming any void at the end of particles after tensile test at 200 °C. The result indicates that the small size rod-shaped particles can enhance the ductility while maintaining the moderate level of strength in Mg–MM–Sn alloys.