| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1570758 | Materials Characterization | 2016 | 8 Pages |
•A maximum hardness value of 103 HV is achieved by the addition of 3 wt.% Zn in the Mg-9Al-6Sn alloy.•The addition of Zn decreases the solid solubility of Sn in the Mg-9Al-6Sn alloy.•The formation of fine Mg2Sn particles leads to a significant hardness increment in the as-quenched condition.
The effects of Zn additions on the age hardening response and microstructure of Mg–9Al–6Sn (wt.%) alloy have been investigated. It is found that the Zn additions can remarkably increase the alloy hardness in the as-quenched condition. The peak hardness value of the Mg–9Al–6Sn alloy increases from 90 ± 0.87 HV to 103 ± 3.83 HV, when the Zn addition is 3 wt.%, which is the highest among the magnesium casting alloys that are free of rare-earth elements. The enhanced hardness in the Mg–9Al–6Sn–3Zn alloy is attributable to an increased volume fraction of smaller Mg2Sn particles in the solution-treated condition and the formation of [0001]Mg Mg17Al12 rods and Mg21(Zn, Al)17 precipitates in the peak-aged condition.
