Experimental studies on micro structural and mechanical characteristics of mg 5sn 3zn 1mn alloy with varying si additions

Abstract

Extensive research and development of light-weight alloys, as well as low-cost processing methodologies, has taken place in recent years with the goal of addressing flaws in currently developed metals and alloys, as well as meeting the demand for increased and lightweight materials in the automotive and aerospace industries. As advanced structural materials, magnesium (Mg) alloys have proved to be a promising alternative to aluminium (Al) alloys. As a result, developing new and more advanced magnesium alloys with a costeffective fabrication method is very important. In this research work, the novel Mg alloy of composition Mg-5Sn-3Zn1Mn-xSi (x = 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt %) was developed through gravity casting process. The metallurgical and mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength were studied in as cast alloy and heat treated alloy. With the addition of Zn and Mn, the morphological behaviour of as-cast Mg-5Sn was investigated. The Mg2Sn phases were primarily found along grain boundaries. Moreover, with the inclusion of Zn and Mn, grain refinement was observed on micrographs. Mg2Si and Mg2Sn phases were generated when Si was added in different amounts to the Mg-5Sn-3Zn-1Mn alloy. With the reduced Si addition, the eutectic Mg2Si phase with the Chinese writing shape morphology occurs. newline