Effect of CaC2 particulates concentration on microstructure and tensile properties of elemental magnesium

CaC2 particulates reinforced magnesium materials were synthesized using a new technique-electromagnetic suspension casting(ESC). The microstructure and composition of magnesium alloys were investigated and the mechanical properties of alloys were tested. The tensile fracture surfaces were also studied by scanning electron microscopy. And the grain refinement effect of alloys was also examined. The results indicate that proper additions of CaC2 particulates are found to be efficient in refining the microstructure of magnesium materials. The tensile properties of alloys are consistent with the grain sizes. 0.26% (mass fraction) of CaC2 addition reduces the mean grain size of pure magnesium from more than 2 mm to 125 μm, and the ultimate tensile strength of pure magnesium at room temperature decreases from 77 to 148 MPa.