Mechanical and corrosion properties of full liquid phase sintered WE43 magnesium alloy specimens fabricated via binder jetting additive manufacturing

This study investigates full liquid phase sintering as a process of fabrication parts from WE43(Mg-4wt.%Y-3wt.%RE-0.7wt.%Zr)alloy using binder jetting additive manufacturing(BJAM).This fabrication process is being developed for use in producing structural or biomedical devices.Specifically,this study focused on achieving a near-dense microstructure with WE43 Mg alloy while substantially reducing the duration of sintering post-processing after BJAM part rendering.The optimal process resulted in microstructure with 2.5%porosity and significantly reduced sintering time.The improved sintering can be explained by the presence of Y_(2)O_(3)and Nd_(2)O_(3)oxide layers,which form spontaneously on the surface of WE43 powder used in BJAM.These layers appear to be crucial in preventing shape distortion of the resulting samples and in enabling the development of sintering necks,particularly under sintering conditions exceeding the liquidus temperature of WE43 alloy.Sintered WE43 specimens rendered by BJAM achieved significant improvement in both corrosion resistance and mechanical properties through reduced porosity levels related to the sintering time.

Hot deformation behavior and workability of pre-extruded ZK60A magnesium alloy

The hot deformation behavior and workability of pre-extruded ZK60A magnesium alloy were investigated by compression tests in the temperature range of 250-450 ℃and the strain rate range of 0.001-10 s 1. The constitutive equation for the pre-extruded ZK60A alloy can be described by hyperbolic sine function. Processing maps were constructed from true strains of -0.2 to -0.8. The alloy experienced complete dynamic recrystallization （DRX） and showed good workability in the temperature range of 300-400 ℃ and the strain rate range of 0.01-0.001 s-Z, where hot working in pre-extruded ZK60A, such as forging, can be carried out. For large deformation to true strain of over -0.5, strain rates above 0.1 s-1 are not recommended at all temperatures, where flow instability such as local strain concentration, twinning deformation, abnormal grain growth, micro-cracks, and shear fracture were observed. Climb-controlled dislocation creep dominates both the plastic deformation and nucleation of DRX of the pre-extruded ZK60A magnesium alloy.

Magnesium casting technology for structural applications

This paper summarizes the melting and casting processes for magnesium alloys.It also reviews the historical development of magnesium castings and their structural uses in the western world since 1921 when Dow began producing magnesium pistons.Magnesium casting technology was well developed during and after World War II,both in gravity sand and permanent mold casting as well as high-pressure die casting,for aerospace,defense and automotive applications.In the last 20 years,most of the development has been focused on thin-wall die casting applications in the automotive industry,taking advantages of the excellent castability of modern magnesium alloys.Recently,the continued expansion of magnesium casting applications into automotive,defense,aerospace,electronics and power tools has led to the diversification of casting processes into vacuum die casting,low-pressure die casting,squeeze casting,lost foam casting,ablation casting as well as semi-solid casting.This paper will also review the historical,current and potential structural use of magnesium with a focus on automotive applications.The technical challenges of magnesium structural applications are also discussed.Increasing worldwide energy demand,environment protection and government regulations will stimulate more applications of lightweight magnesium castings in the next few decades.The development of use of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering(ICME)tools will accelerate the applications of magnesium castings in structural applications.

Advanced casting technologies for lightweight automotive applications

This paper provides an overview of alloy and process developments in aluminum and magnesium castings for lightweight automotive applications. Wear-resistant aluminum alloys, creep-resistant and high strength/ductility magnesium alloys have been developed for automotive applications. On the process front, vacuumassisted die casting and high vacuum die casting technologies have been developed for high-integrity body and chassis applications. Thin-wall and hollow casting components are being produced by low-pressure die casting processes for structural applications. Overcasting technology is gaining traction and has enabled mixed material designs for automotive sub-systems such as engine cradles and instrument panel beams. Simulation tools developed to predict the interfacial interactions of the dissimilar components and the structural integrity of the overcast systems are being validated in the casting trials.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of a high ductility Mg–Zn–Mn–Ce magnesium alloy

A high-ductility ZME200(Mg–2.3Zn–0.4Mn–0.2Ce^(1))alloy was newly developed for vehicle closure and structure applications,based on an earlier ZE20(Mg–2.0Zn–0.2Ce)alloy for extrusion applications.Previous study indicates that the hot deformation behavior of as-cast ZME200 alloy varies with processing parameters,namely temperature and strain rate.In this follow-up study,a conventional rolling process was optimized to obtain magnesium sheets with a very fine grain structure and high ductility.The microstructure,mechanical properties,and corrosion resistances of ZME200 alloy were investigated,and compared with those of commercial AZ31 magnesium alloy.It was demonstrated that the ZME200 alloy sheet exhibits extraordinarily higher ductility(36%in tensile elongation),much superior stretch formability(an Erichsen value of 9.5),lower anisotropy,comparable strength and corrosion resistance to AZ31 alloy.The unique RD–TD double split texture with remarkably reduced intensity and grain refinement gives rise to the significantly improved ductility and formability at room-temperature.

Towards high strength cast Mg-RE based alloys:Phase diagrams and strengthening mechanisms

Mg-rare earth(RE)based systems provide several important commercial alloys and many alloy development opportunities for high strength applications,especially in aerospace and defense industries.The phase diagrams,microstructure,and strengthening mechanisms of these multicomponent systems are very complex and often not well understood in literature.We have calculated phase diagrams of important binary,ternary,and multicomponent RE-containing alloy systems,using CALPHAD(CALculation of PHAse Diagrams).Based on these phase diagrams,this paper offers a critical overview on phase equilibria and strengthening mechanisms in these alloy systems,including precipitation,long period stacking order(LPSO),and other intermetallic phases.This review also summarized several promising Mg-RE based cast alloys in comparison with commercial WE54 and WE43 alloys;and explored new strategies for future alloy development for high strength applications.It is pointed out that the combination of precipitation and LPSO phases can lead to superior strength and ductility in Mg-RE based cast alloys.The precipitates and LPSO phases can form a complex three-dimensional network that effectively impedes dislocation motion on the basal and non-basal planes.The LPSO phases can also prevent the coarsening of precipitates when they interact,thus providing good thermal stability at elevated temperatures.Future research is needed to determine how the combination of these two types of phases can be used in alloy design and industrial scale applications.

Predicting and controlling interfacial microstructure of magnesium/aluminum bimetallic structures for improved interfacial bonding

In this study,an overcasting process followed by a low-temperature(200°C)annealing schedule has been developed to bond magnesium to aluminum alloys.ProCAST software was used to optimize the process parameters during the overcasting process which lead to Mg/Al bimetallic structures to be successfully produced without formation of Mg-Al intermetallic phases.Detailed microstructure evolution during annealing,including the formation and growth of Al-Mg interdiffusion layer and intermetallic phases(Al12Mg17 and Al3Mg2),was experimentally observed for the first time with direct evidence,and predicted using Calculation of Phase Diagrams(CALPHAD)modeling.Maximum interfacial strength was achieved when the interdiffusion layer formed at the Mg/Al interface reached a maximum thickness the without formation of brittle intermetallic compounds.The precise diffusion modeling of the Mg/Al interface provides an efficient way to optimize and control the interfacial microstructure of Mg/Al bimetallic structures for improved interfacial bonding.

Microstructural evolution of Mg-Al-Re alloy reinforced with alumina fibers

Few studies were reported on the phases'relationships of AE44(Mg-4.0Al-4.1RE-0.3Mn,wt.%)and its composites.In this work,AE44 alloy and Saffil(6-Al2O3)/AE44 Metal matrix composite(MMC)were both prepared by slow shot high pressure die casting(SS-HPDC)technology and their phase constitutions were all studied in detail using experimental techniques combined with CALPHAD(Calculation of Phase Diagram)modeling.The results revealed that the alloy consists of the a-Mg matrix,A1hRE3 intermetallic phase,and one trace phase AI3RE,while the composite contains five major phases:a-Mg,5-AI2O3,AI3RE,MgO and Mg2Si.and two trace phases of A12RE and AI11RE3,respectively.A1hRE3 is partly derived from ALRE,while A13RE is a product of the peritectoid reaction between the two precipitates.The presence of MgO and Mg2Si is due to the interfacial reaction between the SiO2 binder in the fiber preforms and the molten magnesium during infiltration.The use of SiO2 binder in the preform manufacturing was limited/minimized to reduce the MgO formation in the MMC casting process,which can be detrimental to the fatigue performance of the MMC materials.

Constitutive behavior and processing maps of a new wrought magnesium alloy ZE20 (Mg-2Zn-0.2Ce)

ZE20(Mg-2Zn-0.2Ce)^2 is a new wrought magnesium alloy with improved extrudability and mechanical properties[1].To understand the constitutive behavior and workability of this new alloy,Gleeble thermomechanical testing has been carried out in this study.The flow stress behavior of ZE20 was investigated between 250℃–450℃ and 10^–3 s^–1–1.0 s^–1 in isothermal compression.Constitutive descriptions of the flow stress are provided.A new general approach at application of the extended Ludwik equation is demonstrated and was found to be more accurate than the hyperbolic sine Arrhenius model while having a similar number of model constants.Processing maps were developed based on the experimental results and are verified with microstructural investigation.A region of safe processing with non-basal texture and high activity of dynamic recrystallization(DRX)was found between 375℃ and 450℃,from 10^–1 s^–1 to 10^–2.5 s^–1.A region of potentially safe processing with annealing that is associated with shear band nucleation of non-basal grains was identified for temperatures as low as 300℃ and rates as high as 10^–1 s^–1.

Magnesium research and applications: Past, present and future

As the lightest structural metal and one of the most abundant metallic elements on earth, magnesium(Mg) has been used as an "industrial metal" for lightweighting in the transportation and electronics industries, in addition to other traditional applications in aluminum alloying,steel desulfurization and protective anodes. In recent years, research has shown significant potential for Mg to become a "technology metal"in a variety of new applications from energy storage/battery to biomedical products. However, global Mg production has shown steady but moderate growth in the last three decades. Mg applications as an industry metal are still limited due to some sustainability concerns of primary Mg production, as well as a number of technical issues related to the structural and corrosion performance of commercial Mg alloys.New Mg applications as an industrial or technology metal face tremendous technical challenges, which have been reflected in the intensified global research efforts in the last twenty years. This paper will review some past and present applications, and discuss future opportunities and challenges for Mg research and applications for the global Mg community.

Phase equilibria and microstructure investigation of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn alloy system

In order to develop high strength Mg-Gd-Y-Zn alloys,key experiments coupled with CALPHAD(CALculation of PHAse Diagrams)calculations were carried out in the current work to provide critical understanding of this important alloy system.Three Mg-10 Gd-xY-yZn(x=4 or 5,y=3 or 5,wt.%) were mapped on Mg-Gd-Y-Zn phase diagrams for phase equilibria and microstructure investigation.Electron microscopy was performed for phase identification and phase fraction determination in as-cast and solution treated conditions.In all three alloys,the major phases were Mg-matrix and long period stacking order(LPSO) 14 H phase.With ST at 400 and 500℃,the phase fraction of LPSO 14 H increased,particularly the fine lamellar morphology in the Mg matrix.The as-cast and 400℃ Mg10 Gd5 Y3 Zn samples had Mg(Gd,Y) present.At 500℃,Mg(Gd,Y) is not stable and transforms into LPSO 14 H.The Mg 10 Gd5 Y5 Zn alloy included the WPhase,which showed a reduction in phase fraction with solution treatment.These experimental results were used to validate and improve the thermodynamic database of the Mg-Gd-Y-Zn system.Thermodynamic calculations using the improved database can well describe the available experimental results and make accurate predictions to guide the development of promising high-strength Mg-Gd-Y-Zn alloys.

Bimodal grain structure formation and strengthening mechanisms in Mg-Mn-Al-Ca extrusion alloys

The effects of small additions of calcium (0.1%and 0.5%~1) on the dynamic recrystallization behavior and mechanical properties of asextruded Mg-1Mn-0.5Al alloys were investigated.Calcium microalloying led to the formation of Al_(2)Ca in as-cast Mg-1Mn-0.5Al-0.1Ca alloy and both Mg_(2)Ca and Al_(2)Ca phases in Mg-1Mn-0.5Al-0.5Ca alloy.The formed Al_(2)Ca particles were fractured during extrusion process and distributed at grain boundary along extrusion direction (ED).The Mg_(2)Ca phase was dynamically precipitated during extrusion process,hindering dislocation movement and reducing dislocation accumulation in low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and hindering the transformation of high density of LAGBs into high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs).Therefore,a bimodal structure composed of fine dynamically recrystallized (DRXed) grains and coarse un DRXed regions was formed in Ca-microalloyed Mg-1Mn-0.5Al alloys.The bimodal structure resulted in effective hetero-deformation-induced (HDI) strengthening.Additionally,the fine grains in DRXed regions and the coarse grains in un DRXed regions and the dynamically precipitated Mg_(2)Ca phase significantly enhanced the tensile yield strength from 224 MPa in Mg-1Mn-0.5Al to335 MPa and 352 MPa in Mg-1Mn-0.5Al-0.1Ca and Mg-1Mn-0.5Al-0.5Ca,respectively.Finally,a yield point phenomenon was observed in as-extruded Mg-1Mn-0.5Al-x Ca alloys,more profound with 0.5%Ca addition,which was due to the formation of (■) extension twins in un DRXed regions.

Magnesium: From fundamental research to future applications

Magnesium(Mg), the lightest structural metal and the eighth most abundant element on the earth's crust, has traditionally been used as an “industrial metal” in transportation, electronics, aluminum alloying, steel desulfurization, and protective anodes;and recently shown significant potential to become a “technology metal” in a variety of new applications from energy storage/battery to biomedical products [1].

Three-dimensional visualization and quantification of microporosity in aluminum castings by X-ray micro-computed tomography

Porosity is a major issue in solidification processing of metallic materials.In this work,wedge die casting experiments were designed to investigate the effect of cooling rate on microporosity in an aluminum alloy A356.Microstructure information including dendrites and porosity were measured and observed by optical microscopy and X-ray micro-computed tomography(XMCT).The effects of cooling rate on secondary dendrite arm spacing(SDAS)and porosity were discussed.The relationship between SDAS and cooling rate was established and validated using a mathematical model.Three-dimensional(3-D)porosity information,including porosity percentage,pore volume,and pore number,was determined by XMCT.With the cooling rate decreasing from a lower to a higher position of the wedge die,the observed pore number decreases,the porosity percentage increases,and the equivalent pore radius increases.Sphericity of the pores was discussed as an empirical criterion to distinguish the types of porosity.For different cooling rates,the larger the equivalent pore radius is,the lower the sphericity of the pores.This research suggests that XMCT is a useful tool to provide critical 3-D porosity information for integrated computational materials engineering(ICME)design and process optimization of solidification products.

Predicting gas and shrinkage porosity in solidification microstructure:A coupled three-dimensional cellular automaton model

Porosity formation during solidification of aluminum-based alloys,due to hydrogen gas and alloy shrinkage,has been a major issue adversely affecting the performance of solidification products such as castings,welds or additively manufactured components.A three-dimensional cellular automaton(CA)model has been developed,for the first time,to couple the predictions of hydrogen-induced gas porosity and shrinkage porosity during solidification microstructure evolution of a binary Al-Si alloy.The CA simulation results are validated under various cooling rates by porosity measurements in an experimental wedge die casting using X-ray micro computed tomography(XMCT)technique.This validated porosity moel provides a critical link in integrated computation materials engineering(ICME)design and manufacturing of solidification products.

Effect of heat treatment on strain–controlled fatigue behavior of cast Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy

The influence of heat treatment on the strain-controlled fatigue behavior of cast NZ30 K alloy was investigated. Compared with the as-cast and solutionized（T4） alloys, the peak-aged（T6） and over-aged（T7）counterparts have a higher cyclic stress and a lower plastic strain value due to the precipitation strengthening. The as-cast and T4-treated alloys have a higher fatigue strength/yield strength ratio than the aged alloys, which is mainly attributed to their higher cyclic hardening. Under stress-controlled loading,the aged alloys show lower hysteresis energies than the as-cast and T4-treated counterparts, leading to longer fatigue lifetimes. For the T4-treated alloy, the cyclic hardening and fatigue failure are controlled by the dislocations-slip and twinning, while for both the as-cast and T6-treated counterparts, they are controlled by the dislocation-slip. For the T7-treated alloy, cyclic deformation and failure behavior are mainly dependent on dislocations-slip and grain boundary sliding.

Cellular automaton simulation and experimental validation of eutectic transformation during solidification of Al-Si alloys

The morphology of eutectic silicon in solidification microstructure is critical to the performance of Al-Si-based alloys.Simulating eutectic Si phase formation has been a challenge in ICME (integrated computational materials engineering) based design and manufacturing of solidification products of Al-Si-based alloys.In this study,our previous three-dimensional (3-D) cellular automaton (CA) model for α-Al dendritic growth was extended to include eutectic (α-Al + Si) transformation in multi-dendrite domains,providing a complete solidification simulation of critically important Al-Si based alloys.The quantitative results of the Si phase in the eutectic microstructure were experimentally validated using scanning electron microscopy and deep etching techniques.The simulation results show a good agreement with the experimental observations and calculations by the Scheil model and lever rule.This 3-D CA model is useful for predicting and optimizing the solidification microstructure including eutectic transformation during solidification processing such as casting,potentially welding,and additive manufacturing.