Study on as-cast microstructures and solidification process of Mg–Zn–Y Alloys

The microstructures and phases of as-cast Mg–Zn–Y alloys were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in this study. Stable icosahedral Mg30Zn60Y10 quasicrystals were obtained using common casting technique. With increasing Y content, the contents of quasicrystals increased, the distribution of quasicrystals was improved, and the morphologies of quasicrystal and other microstructures of Mg–Zn–Y alloys showed different characteristics. In addition, the solidification process of Mg–Zn–Y alloys was analyzed. Icosahedral Mg30Zn60Y10 quasicrystalline phase is easy to nucleate in slow cooling.