The role of solutes for grain refinement by (SiC)P: Experiment and theoretical calculation

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

Authors

  • R. Günther
  • Ch Hartig
  • O. Anopuo
  • N. Hort
  • R. Bormann

Grain refiners for Al-containing Mg-alloys are still deficient and under investigation. To clarify the mechanisms of grain refinement by inoculation a simulation method for heterogeneous nucleation has been used, allowing the prediction of the grain size for a given particle size distribution, volumetric content of inoculants, cooling rate and alloy constitution. To proof the model, grain refinement efficiency of (SiC)P in Mg3wt%Al was examined experimentally. It was found that (SiC)P results in significant grain refinement. Experiments with (SiC)p in Al-free Mg-alloys have shown that additionally to the low lattice misfit of SiC, solutes play an important role for effective grain refinement. While the grain refinement via (SiC) p inoculation of pure Mg is negligible, a distinct effect has been achieved in Mg3wt%Zn. The model makes qualitatively correct predictions for the grain size and its variation with cooling rate. Relevant aspects for the consideration of particle-specific properties and solutes will be discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMagnesium Technology 2008 : Proceedings of a Symposium Sponsored by the Magnesium Committee of the Light Metals Division of the Minerals, Metals and Materials
EditorsMihriban O. Pekguleryuz, Neale R. Neelameggham, Randy S. Beals, Eric A. Nyberg
Number of pages5
PublisherThe Minerals, Metals & Materials Society
Publication date2008
Pages95-99
ISBN (print)9780873397117, 0873397118
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventMagnesium Technology 2008 - New Orleans, LA, United States
Duration: 09.03.200813.03.2008

    Research areas

  • Casting, Grain refinement, Inoculation, Magnesium alloys, Nucleation and growth
  • Engineering