Microstructure and creep properties of MEZ magnesium alloy processed by thixocasting

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

Authors

  • Emma D. Morales Garza
  • Hajo Dieringa
  • Norbert Hort
  • Karl U. Kainer

Whereas in most magnesium applications die casting is the dominant manufacturing process, thixocasting recently came into focus of producers. This is mainly due to the improved microstructure, reduced porosity and better mechanical properties. An important issue for the introduction and use of magnesium alloys in automotive industry is their creep resistance. Aluminum free magnesium alloys are known to show improved creep strength compared to conventional aluminum containing alloys due to the absence of beta phase (Mg 17Al 12). MEZ alloy (Mg-RE-Zn-Zr) shows better creep resistance even compared to AE42 in die casting. In this paper, the mechanical and creep properties from thixocast MEZ alloy are evaluated from creep tensile tests at temperatures of 135°C, 150°C and 175°C and at stresses between 60 and 100 MPa. The creep activation energy and the stress exponent are calculated and discussed. Optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the microstructural features developed after the mechanical tests helps to understand the deformation mechanisms occurring during creep and to explain the creep properties after thixocasting.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMagnesium Technology 2012 - Held During TMS 2012 Annual Meeting and Exhibition
EditorsSuveen N. Mathaudhu, Wim H. Sillekens, Neale R. Neelameggham, Nobert Hort
Number of pages5
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer Schweiz
Publication date2012
Pages385-389
ISBN (print)9781118291214, 978-3-319-48202-6
ISBN (electronic)978-3-319-48203-3
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event141st Annual Meeting and Exhibition of the Magnesium Technology - TMS 2012 - Orlando, FL, United States
Duration: 11.03.201215.03.2012
Conference number: 141
https://www.tms.org/meetings/annual-12/proceedings.aspx

    Research areas

  • Creep, MEZ magnesium alloy, Microstructure, Semi-solid processing, Thixocasting
  • Engineering