Heat treatment impact on the structure of die-cast magnesium alloys

Abstract

AbstrAct Purpose: In the following paper there have been the structure and properties of the MCMgAl6Zn1 magnesium cast alloy as-cast state and after a heat treatment presented. Design/methodology/approach: A casting cycle of alloys has been carried out in an induction crucible furnace using a protective salt bath Flux 12 equipped with two ceramic filters at the melting temperature of 750±10oC, suitable for the manufactured material. The following results concern light and scanning microscopy, X-ray qualitative and quantitative microanalysis. Findings: The results of the EDS chemical composition analysis confirm the presence of magnesium, aluminum, manganese, and zinc, constituting the structure of α solid solution with the Mg 17 Al 12 placed mainly on the grain order in the form of plates, also the phase AlMnFe with irregular shape, occurred often in the shape of blocks or needles and the Laves phase Mg 2 Si. Research limitations/implications: According to the alloys characteristic, the applied cooling rate and alloy additions seems to be a good compromise for mechanical properties and microstructures, nevertheless further tests should be carried out in order to examine different cooling rates and parameters of solution treatment process and aging process.