Effect of mischmetal on mechanical properties and microstructure of die-cast magnesium alloy AZ91D

Effects of the mischmetal addition in range of 0.4 wt.% to 1.7 wt.% on the microstructure and mechanical properties of die-cast magnesium AZ91D were investigated to improve the elevated temperature mechanical properties of the alloy by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and tensile tests. The results revealed that mechanical properties of die-cast magnesium alloy AZ91D-0.4%MM at 100 °C were near to those of die-cast magnesium alloy AZ91D. The ultimate tensile strength, 0.2% proof yield strength and elongation to failure of die-cast magnesium alloy AZ91D at 170 °C were 178, 129 MPa and 20%, respectively. In comparison, the ultimate tensile strength, 0.2% proof yield strength and elongation to failure of die-cast magnesium alloy AZ91D-0.4%MM at 170 °C reached to 206, 142 MPa and 26%, respectively increased by 15.7%, 10% and 30%. Proper addition of mischmetal could enhance the mechanical properties at an elevated temperature, which was attributed to the formation of Al-RE phases with high thermal stability. Hence sliding of grain boundaries and cracks could be effectively hindered by Al-RE phases.

Graphical AbstractTEM photos and energy spectrum analysis of die-cast magnesium alloy AZ91D-1.7%MMFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide