| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1571359 | Materials Characterization | 2013 | 7 Pages |
The microstructure and phase composition of die cast and thixocast ZAEX10430 (Mg–10Zn–4Al–3Ce–0.3Ca) alloy were studied. Two intermetallic phases were identified in both the die cast and the thixocast specimens: the τ-phase doped with calcium (Mg,Ca)32(Al,Zn)49 (or τ′-phase) and the (Al,Zn)xCe isomorphous phase with Al2CeZn2 and Al4Ce. In all of the specimens, the τ′-phase crystallized mostly as fine elongated particles and within a lamellar constituent. Needle-like (Al,Zn)xCe phase particles were visible in the die cast specimens, whereas coarse particles of various cross-sectional shapes (polygonal, elliptical, rod-like, etc.) were observed in the thixocast specimens. The difference in morphology of the intermetallic (Al,Zn)xCe particles in the matrix and the presence of large primary α-Mg grains in the thixocast specimens was used to explain the different creep behavior of die cast and thixocast ZAEX10430 alloy reported previously.
► Specimens of Mg–10Zn–4Al–3Ce–0.3Ca alloy were die cast and thixocast. ► The microstructure of this creep resistant alloy was characterized. ► Composition and morphology of Al–Ce–Zn and Mg–Zn–Al–Ca particles were compared. ► Al–Zn–Ce particles were isomorphous to Al4Ce with (Al,Zn)xCe (2.5 < x < 5.2). ► Mg–Al–Zn–Ca particles were isomorphous to τ′-(Mg,Ca)32(Al,Zn)49.
