Structural,mechanical and electronic properties of precipitates in Mg−Zn alloys

To accelerate the development and design of magnesium(Mg)alloys,the structural and mechanical properties of important precipitates in Mg−Zn alloys were studied by experiments and density functional theory.The nano-indentation tests revealed that the hardness of the precipitates initially increased and then decreased with increasing Zn content,and was significantly higher than that of pure Mg and Zn.The calculation results revealed that the precipitates stability initially increased and then decreased with increasing Zn concentration.The bulk moduli of the precipitates increased,whereas their shear and Young’s moduli initially increased and then decreased with increasing Zn content.The decreasing order of ductility for these compounds is MgZn_(2)>Mg_(21)Zn_(25)>Mg_(2)Zn_(11)>Mg_(4)Zn_(7).The surface profiles of the compounds revealed that they are obvious anisotropy.Both the degree of covalency and bond length of covalent bonds initially increased and then decreased with increasing Zn content.

Effects of Zn content on the microstructure and the mechanical and corrosion properties of as-cast low-alloyed Mg–Zn–Ca alloys

The effects of Zn content on the microstxucture and the mechanical and corrosion properties of as-cast low-alloyed Mg-xZn~.2Ca alloys （x = 0.6wt%, 2.0wt%, 2.5wt%, hereafter denoted as 0.6Zn, 2.0Zn, and 2.5Zn alloys, respectively） axe investigated. The results show that the Zn content not only influences grain refinement but also induces different phase precipitation behaviors. The as-cast microstxucture of the 0.6Zn alloy is composed of ct-Mg, Mg2Ca, and Ca2Mg6Zn3 phases, whereas 2.0Zn and 2.5Zn alloys only contain ct-Mg and Ca2Mg6Zn3 phases, as revealed by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and txonsmission electron microscopy （TEM） analyses. Moreover, with in- creasing Zn content, both the ultimate tensile strength （UTS） and the elongation to fracture first increase and then decrease. Among the three investigated alloys, the largest UTS （178 MPa） and the highest elongation to fracture （6.5%） are obtained for the 2.0Zn alloy. In addition, the corrosion rate increases with increasing Zn content. This paper provides on updated investigation of the alloy composi- tion-microstxucture-property relationships of different Zn-containing Mg-Zn-Ca alloys.

Effect of annealing temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Zr-Nd alloy with large final rolling deformation

In this study,the Mg-3Zn-0.5Zr-χNd(χ=0,0.6)alloys were subjected to final rolling treatment with large deformation of 50%.The impact of annealing temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated.The rolled Mg-3Zn-0.5Zr-0.6Nd alloy exhibited an ultimate tensile strength of 386 MPa,a yield strength of 361 MPa,and an elongation of 7.1%.Annealing at different temperatures resulted in reduced strength and obviously increased elongation for both alloys.Optimal mechanical properties for the Mg-3Zn-0.5Zr-0.6Nd alloy were achieved after annealing at 200℃,with an ultimate tensile strength of 287 MPa,a yield strength of 235 MPa,and an elongation of 26.1%.The numerous deformed microstructures,twins,and precipitated phases in the rolled alloy could impede the deformation at room temperature and increase the work hardening rate.After annealing,a decrease in the work hardening effect and an increase in the dynamic recovery effect were obtained due to the formation of fine equiaxed grains,and the increased volume fraction of precipitated phases,which significantly improved the elongation of the alloy.Additionally,the addition of Nd element could enhance the annealing recrystallization rate,reduce the Schmid factor difference between basal and prismatic slip systems,facilitate multi-system slip initiation and improve the alloy plasticity.

Effects of Mg content on microstructure and mechanical properties of low Zn-containing Al-xMg-3Zn-1Cu cast alloys

Effects of Mg content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low Zn-containing Al−xMg−3Zn−1Cu cast alloys(x=3−5,wt.%)were investigated.As Mg content increased in the as-cast alloys,the grains were refined due to enhanced growth restriction,and the formation ofη-Mg(AlZnCu)_(2) and S-Al_(2)CuMg phases was inhibited while the formation of T-Mg_(32)(AlZnCu)_(49 )phase was promoted when Mg content exceeded 4 wt.%.The increase of Mg content encumbered the solution kinetics by increasing the size of eutectic phase but accelerated and enhanced the age-hardening through expediting precipitation kinetics and elevating the number density of the precipitates.As Mg content increased,the yield strength and tensile strength of the as-cast,solution-treated and peak-aged alloys were severally improved,while the elongation of the alloys decreased.The tensile strength and elongation of the peak-aged Al−5Mg−3Zn−1Cu alloy exceed 500 MPa and 5%,respectively.Precipitation strengthening implemented by T′precipitates is the predominant strengthening mechanism in the peak-aged alloys and is enhanced by increasing Mg content.

Synergistic effect of gradient Zn content and multiscale particles on the mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with coupling distribution of coarse-fine grains

This study investigated the influence of graded Zn content on the evolution of precipitated and iron-rich phases and grain struc-ture of the alloys,designed and developed the Al–8.0Zn–1.5Mg–1.5Cu–0.2Fe(wt%)alloy with high strength and formability.With the increase of Zn content,forming the coupling distribution of multiscale precipitates and iron-rich phases with a reasonable matching ratio and dispersion distribution characteristics is easy.This phenomenon induces the formation of cell-like structures with alternate distribu-tion of coarse and fine grains,and the average plasticity–strain ratio(characterizing the formability)of the pre-aged alloy with a high strength is up to 0.708.Results reveal the evolution and influence mechanisms of multiscale second-phase particles and the corresponding high formability mechanism of the alloys.The developed coupling control process exhibits considerable potential,revealing remarkable improvements in the room temperature formability of high-strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys.

Effect of Zn addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-2Er alloy

The effect of Zn addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of the Mg-2Er alloy was investigated by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscope （SEM）. The results show that the alloys with 1%and 2%Zn （mass fraction） are composed of the W-phase and theα-Mg matrix. Meanwhile, the addition of 4%-10%Zn results in the formation of the I-phase, the W-phase and theα-Mg matrix. When the addition of Zn reaches 12%, the W-phase disappears and the phase constituents of the alloys mainly include the I-phase and the Mg4Zn7 phase besides theα-Mg solid solution. The alloy containing 6%Zn has better mechanical properties, of which the ultimate tensile strength （UTS） and the yield tensile strength （YTS） are about 224 MPa and 134 MPa, respectively, companying an elongation of 10.4%.

冠心病血清 Zn Cu Ca Mg 的测定分析

近年来,人们对微量元素作了大量研究,许多微量元素在维持人体正常生理功能,参与多种酶的合成和激活,调节机体的代谢等方面起着重要的作用。在冠心病中的地位和作用也引起人们极大兴趣,利用微量元素防治心血管疾病有着广阔的前景。我们检查了健康老年人83例与老年冠心病人115例血清 Zn、Cu、Ca、Mg,分析研究了老年人与冠心病人这些常量和微量元素的改变,现报告如下。

Precipitation modification in cast Mg-1Nd-1Ce-Zr alloy by Zn addition

The effects of different Zn addition(0,0.2,0.5,1.0 wt%)on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cast Mg-1Nd-1Ce-Zr alloy in as-cast,solution-treated and 200℃peak-aged conditions were studied.Precipitates in cast Mg-1Nd-1Ce-Zr alloy are significantly modified by the Zn addition.In the Zn-free alloy,the disk-shaped prismatic precipitates and the point-like precipitates are the main strengthening phases.When 0.2 Zn is added,the disk-shaped precipitates are refined and very fine basal precipitates form additionally.When 0.5 Zn is added,the basal precipitates become the main strengthening phase.Further increasing the Zn addition to 1.0%,only spare basal precipitates and point-like precipitates exist.The 0.5 Zn addition alloy has the highest strength at room temperature,whose yield strength,ultimate tensile strength and elongation in T6 condition are 136 MPa,237 MPa and 9%,respectively.

Y元素对铸态 Mg-Al-Ca-Mn合金组织与耐腐蚀性能的影响

采用金相显微镜、扫描电镜、XRD分析、腐蚀试验和电化学测试等研究了Mg-4Al-3Ca-0.7Mn-xY(x=0、0.8、1.5)铸态合金的微观组织与耐腐蚀性能。结果表明:未添加Y的Mg-4Al-3Ca-0.7Mn合金组织由α-Mg、Al2Ca相、Mg2Ca相组成。添加0.8wt%Y后,合金组织中晶粒得到明显细化,析出相变得细小,Al2Ca相、Mg2Ca相数量减少,并有Al2Y相生成。Y含量增加到1.5wt%时,合金晶粒细化效果不明显,大量Al2Y相聚集在晶界处呈网状分布。添加适量的Y可提高Mg-4Al-3Ca-0.7Mn-xY合金的耐腐蚀性,Y添加量为0.8wt%时,该合金的耐腐蚀性最佳。

Enhanced oxidation and overheating resistance of the extruded Mg–Zn–Al–Mn magnesium alloy by Calcium addition

The effects of Ca addition on the microstructure and oxidation properties of a new Mg alloy were studied.The oxidation behavior of the alloys was analyzed by thermal analysis and material characterization of the alloys exposed in flame environment;and both electrical and induction furnaces.Moreover,the surface layers were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy,and X-ray diffraction technique.It was found that increasing the Ca addition reduces the grain size and increases the fraction of the secondary phases,and enhances the mechanical properties.Moreover,increasing the Ca contents resulted in the formation of a dense CaO/MgO layer on the surface prohibited the oxygen diffusion and assisted in protection of the substrate against further oxidation.Therefore,ignition temperature was increased from 680℃ to 890℃ after addition of the Ca element.The mechanical properties and ignition behavior of the current materials was compared with the literature which it showed an excellent combination of the properties in the developed alloys.

Effects of cooling rate on microstructure,mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy

Mg69Zn27Ca4 alloys with diameters of 1.5, 2 and 3 mm were fabricated using copper mold injection casting method. Microstructural analysis reveals that the alloy with a diameter of 1.5 mm is almost completely composed of amorphous phase. However, with the cooling rate decline, a little α-Mg and MgZn dendrites can be found in the amorphous matrix. Based on the microstructural and tensile results, the ductile dendrites are conceived to be highly responsible for the enhanced compressive strain from 1.3% to 3.1% by increasing the sample diameter from 1.5 mm to 3 mm. In addition, the Mg69Zn27Ca4 alloy with 1.5 mm diameter has the best corrosion properties. The current Mg-based alloys show much better corrosion resistance than the traditionally commercial wrought magnesium alloy ZK60 in simulated sea-water.

Mechanical properties and electronic structures of MgCu_2, Mg_2Ca and MgZn_2 Laves phases by first principles calculations

Mechanical properties and electronic structure of MgCu2, Mg2 Ca and MgZn2 phases were investigated by means of first principles calculations from CASTEP program based on density functional theory（DFT）. The calculated lattice parameters are in good agreement with the experimental and literature values. The calculated heat of formation and cohesive energies showed that MgCu2 has the strongest alloying ability and structural stability. Elastic constants of MgCu2, Mg2 Ca and MgZn2 were calculated, and the bulk moduli, shear moduli, elastic moduli and Poisson ratio were derived. The calculated results show that MgCu2, Mg2 Ca and MgZn2 are all ductile phases. Among the three phases, MgCu2 has the strongest stiffness and the plasticity of MgZn2 phase is the best. Melting points of the three phases were predicted using cohesive energy and elastic constants. Density of states（DOS）, Mulliken population, electron occupation number and charge density difference were discussed. Finally, Debye temperature was calculated and discussed.

Microstructure of Mg-8Zn-4Al-1Ca aged alloy

The microstructure of Mg-8Zn-4Al-1Ca aged alloy was investigated by TEM and HRTEM. The results show that the hardening produced in the Mg-8Zn-4Al-1Ca alloy is considerably higher than that in the Mg-8Zn-4A1 alloy. A dense dispersion of disc-like Ca2Mg6Zn3 precipitates are formed in Mg-8Zn-4Al-1Ca alloy aged at 160 ℃ for 16 h. In addition, the lattice distortions, honeycomb-looking Moir＆#233; fringes, edge dislocations and dislocation loop also exist in the microstructure. The precipitates of alloy aged at 160 ℃ for 48 h are coarse disc-like and fine dispersed grainy. When the alloy is subjected to aging at 160 ℃ for 227 h, the microstructure consists of numerous MgZn2 precipitates and Ca2Mg6Zn3 precipitates. All the analyses show that Ca is a particularly effective trace addition in improving the age-hardening and postponing the formation of MgZn2 precipitates in Mg-8Zn-4Al alloy aged at 160 ℃.

Effect of Zn on mechanical property and corrosion property of extruded Mg-Zn-Mn alloy

The effect of Zn on the microstructure, the mechanical property and the corrosion property in simulated body fluid(SBF) of an extruded Mg-Mn alloy was studied. The results indicate that the addition of Zn element can significantly refine the grain size of the extruded Mg-Mn alloy. When Zn content is increased from 0% to 3%, the grain size decreases from 12 μm to 4 μm. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties also increase remarkably with increasing Zn content. When Zn content is 3%, the ultimate tensile strength and the yield strength are increased by 54.7 MPa and 69.7 MPa, respectively. Zn can also improve the anti-corrosion property of the alloy. The best anti-corrosion property is obtained with 1% Zn. However, further increase of Zn content up to 3% deteriorates the corrosion property. Finally, the influence mechanism of Zn on the microstructure, the mechanical property and the corrosion property was discussed.

Microstructure and mechanical and corrosion properties of hot-extruded Mg–Zn–Ca–(Mn)biodegradable alloys

Biodegradable Mg-based implants are widely used in clinical applications because they exhibit mechanical properties comparable to those of human bone and require no revision surgery for their removal.Among Mg-based alloys,Mg–Zn–Ca–(Mn)alloys have been extensively investigated for medical applications because the constituent elements of these alloys,Mg,Zn,Ca,and Mn,are present in human tissues as nutrient elements.In this study,we investigated the effect of the hot extrusion temperature on the microstructure,mechanical properties,and biodegradation rate of Mg–Zn–Ca–(Mn)alloys.The results showed that the addition of Mn and a decrease in the extrusion temperature resulted in grain refinement followed by an increase in the strength and a decrease in the elongation at fracture of the alloys.The alloys showed different mechanical properties along the directions parallel and perpendicular to the extrusion direction.The corrosion test of the alloys in the Hanks’solution revealed that the addition of Mn significantly reduced the corrosion rate of the alloys.The Mg–2 wt%Zn–0.7 wt%Ca–1 wt%Mn alloy hot-extruded at 300℃ with an ultimate tensile strength of 278MPa,an yield strength of 229MPa,an elongation at fracture of 10%,and a corrosion rate of 0.3 mm/year was found to be suitable for orthopedic implants.

Refinement and strengthening mechanism of Mg−Zn−Cu−Zr−Ca alloy solidified under extremely high pressure

Mg−Zn−Cu−Zr−Ca samples were solidified under high pressures of 2-6 GPa.Scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction were used to study the distribution of Ca in the microstructure and its effect on the solidification structure.The mechanical properties of the samples were investigated through compression tests.The results show that Ca is mostly dissolved in the matrix and the Mg_(2)Ca phase is formed under high pressure,but it is mainly segregated among dendrites under atmospheric pressure.The Mg_(2)Ca particles are effective heterogeneous nuclei ofα-Mg crystals,which significantly increases the number of crystal nuclei and refines the solidification structure of the alloy,with the grain size reduced to 22μm at 6 GPa.As no Ca segregating among the dendrites exists,more Zn is dissolved in the matrix.Consequently,the intergranular second phase changes from MgZn with a higher Zn/Mg ratio to Mg7Zn3 with a lower Zn/Mg ratio.The volume fraction of the intergranular second phase also increases to 22%.Owing to the combined strengthening of grain refinement,solid solution,and dispersion,the compression strength of the Mg-Zn-Cu-Zr-Ca alloy solidified under 6 GPa is up to 520 MPa.

Microstructure refinement,mechanical and biocorrosion properties of Mg–Zn–Ca–Mn alloy improved by a new severe plastic deformation process

In this study,the microstructural evolution,mechanical properties and biocorrosion performance of a Mg–Zn–Ca–Mn alloy were investigated under different conditions of heat treatment,extrusion,one pass and two passes of half equal channel angular pressing(HECAP)process.The results showed significant grain refinement of the homogenized alloy after two passes of HECAP process from 345μm to 2μm.Field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM)revealed the presence of finer Mg_(6)Zn_(3)Ca_(2)phase as well asα-Mn phase after HECAP process.The results also showed that mechanical characteristics such as yield strength,ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the HECAPed samples improved by~208%,~144%and~100%compared to the homogenized one,respectively.Crystallographic texture analysis indicated that most of the grains at the surface were reoriented parallel to the(0001)basal plane after HECAP process.Electrochemical corrosion tests and immersion results indicated that the sample with two passes of HEACP had the highest biocorrosion resistance confirming that the basal planes had the lowest corrosion rate compared to the non-basal ones.The mechanical behavior and bio-corrosion evaluation demonstrated that the HECAPed Mg–Zn–Ca–Mn alloy has great potential for biomedical applications and a mechanism was proposed to explain the interrelations between the thermomechanical processing and bio-corrosion behavior.

As-cast microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg-4Zn-x Y-1Ca(x=1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0) magnesium alloys

The as-cast microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg?4Zn?xY?1Ca (x=1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0, mass fraction, %) alloys were investigated and compared. The results indicate that all the as-cast alloys are mainly composed ofα-Mg, Mg2Ca, Ca2Mg6Zn3,I (Mg3YZn6) andW (Mg3Y2Zn3) phases. However, with Y content increasing from 0.86% to 2.68%, the amount of the Ca2Mg6Zn3 phase gradually decreases but that of theI (Mg3YZn6) andW (Mg3Y2Zn3) phases gradually increases. Furthermore, an increase in Y content from 0.86% to 2.68% also causes the grain size of the as-cast alloys to gradually decrease. In addition, the tensile and creep properties of the as-cast alloys vary with Y content. Namely, with Y content increasing from 0.86% to 2.68%, the creep properties gradually increase, whereas the tensile properties firstly increase and attain the maximum at 1.77% Y, beyond that they decrease. Amongst the as-cast alloys with 0.86% Y, 1.19% Y, 1.77% Y and 2.68% Y, the alloy with 1.77% Y exhibits the relatively optimal tensile and creep properties.

Effects of Zn content on as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-xZn-4Al alloys containing TiC and rare earth elements

The effects of Zn content on the as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-xZn-4Al alloys containing TiC and rare earth elements were investigated by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and tensile test. The results show that Zn content which increased from 8% to 12% does not obviously influence on the alloy phase type of the Mg-xZn-4Al experimental alloys containing 0.25%RE and l%TiC, but with Zn content increasing from 8% to 12%, the amount of Mg32(Al,Zn)49 phase in the as-cast microstructure of the experimental alloys increases and its distribution becomes more continuous. In addition, the Mg-10Zn-4Al alloy containing 0.25%RE and 1TiC has the highest ultimate tensile strength at room temperature and 150℃and highest yield strength and elongation at 150℃. Furthermore, with Zn content increasing from 8% to 12%, the yield strength and elongation of Mg-xZn-4A1 experimental alloys containing 0.25%RE and 1%TiC increase and decrease at room temperature, respectively.

Evolution of mechanical properties,localized corrosion resistance and microstructure of a high purity Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy during non-isothermal aging

The evolution of mechanical properties,localized corrosion resistance of a high purity Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy during non-isothermal aging(NIA)was investigated by hardness test,electrical conductivity test,tensile test,intergranular corrosion test,exfoliation corrosion test,slow strain rate tensile test and electrochemical test,and the mechanism has been discussed based on microstructure examination by optical microscopy,electron back scattered diffraction,scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy.The NIA treatment includes a heating stage from 40℃to 180℃with a rate of 20℃/h and a cooling stage from 180℃to 40℃with a rate of 10℃/h.The results show that the hardness and strength increase rapidly during the heating stage of NIA since the increasing temperature favors the nucleation and the growth of strengthening precipitates and promotes the transformation of Guinier-Preston(GPI)zones toη'phase.During the cooling stage,the sizes ofη'phase increase with a little change in the number density,leading to a further slight increase of the hardness and strength.As NIA proceeds,the corroded morphology in the alloy changes from a layering feature to a wavy feature,the maximum corrosion depth decreases,and the reason has been analyzed based on the microstructural and microchemical feature of precipitates at grain boundaries and subgrain boundaries.