Microstructure and properties of strip cast AZ91 Mg alloy

Abstract

A study has been conducted on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the strip cast AZ91 Mg alloy. The microstructure of the as-cast strip is characterized by a fine equiaxed dendritic structure. There is a variation of secondary dendrite arm spacing throughout the thickness of the strip, showing the smallest value at the wheel surface and the largest value at the center. The distribution of Mg17Al12 particles is also not uniform in the as-east strip. The microstructure of the solution treated strip consists of fine Mg grains and Al-Mn particles in the matrix with no Mg17Al12 particles. T6 treatment of the strip results in the precipitation Of Mg17Al12 particles, the volume fraction of which decreases from the wheel side to the center of the strip. The strip cast AZ91 Mg alloy has the best combination of tensile properties in the T4 condition. It is believed that the good tensile properties of the T4 treated strip are due to the presence of Al-Mn particles, which induce homogeneous deformation.