Development of a magnesium recycling alloy based on AM50

Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • D. Fechner
  • P. Maier
  • N. Hort
  • K. U. Kainer

Magnesium applications for structural components in the automotive industry are constantly rising. This is based on the recent development of new alloys, new fabrication processes, and the ambition of car manufacturers to reduce the vehicles weight and CO2 emissions according to the EU and US policy [1, 2]. A rising quantity of magnesium per vehicle leads to a rising quantity of scrap which needs to be recycled according to the European Directive on end-of life vehicles [3], So far post consumer scrap has not been used for structural parts. But since the metal is still expensive compared to aluminium or steel, and remelting saves more than 90 % of the energy for primary production, magnesium recycling will significantly contribute to cost savings. In comparison to steel or aluminium a recycling cycle for magnesium has not yet been established. Concerning post consumer scrap it is likely that many vehicles will end up in the shredder fraction or at least will be mixed up instead of being dismantled and separated according to their alloy. Thus it is reasonable to define secondary alloys which allow the use of post consumer scrap for structural applications. Creep resistant alloys have the potential of a broad application concerning the weight of the components and therefore a secondary alloy would be reasonable. The aim of this work is to examine a row of AM50-based alloys, modified with additions of Sr, Ca, and Si due to the importance of these elements to increase creep resistance and their usage in modern magnesium alloys. The corrosion properties as well as the mechanical properties and microstructures are investigated in the as-cast and annealed condition. Salt spray tests (using 5 % NaCI) and electrochemical corrosion methods are applied to investigate the corrosion properties which are then compared to the unmodified AM50. Tensile and compression tests at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 200°C are applied to investigate the mechanical properties.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSupplement to THERMEC 2006, 5th International Conference on PROCESSING and MANUFACTURING OF ADVANCED MATERIALS, THERMEC 2006
Number of pages6
PublisherTrans Tech Publications Ltd
Publication date15.03.2007
EditionPART 1
Pages108-113
ISBN (print)0878494286, 9780878494286
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15.03.2007
Externally publishedYes
Event5th International Conference on Processing and Manufacturing of Advanced Materials - THERMEC'2006 - Vancouver, Canada
Duration: 04.07.200608.07.2006
Conference number: 5

    Research areas

  • AM50, Corrosion, Elevated temperature, Mechanical properties, Recycling, Tensile test
  • Engineering