Three-dimensional microstructural analysis of Mg–Al–Zn alloys by synchrotron-radiation-based microtomography

The β phase Mg17Al12 influences the high-temperature strength as well as the corrosion properties of Mg–Al–Zn alloys. The morphology and distribution of β Mg17Al12 are normally determined by standard metallographic methods, which result in only a two-dimensional picture. Synchrotron-radiation-based microtomography can give a three-dimensional image of the microstructure and was used to characterize the distribution of Mg17Al12 and Al8Mn5 in as-cast and extruded Mg–Al–Zn alloys.