Journal article
Evolution of microstructure and hardness of AE42 alloy after heat treatments
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon1
Microstructures and Interfaces, Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark2
Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark3
Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark4
The AE42 magnesium alloy was developed for high pressure die casting (HPDC) from low-aluminum magnesium alloys. In this alloy the rare earth (RE) elements were shown to increase creep resistance by forming AlxREy intermetallics along the grain boundaries. The present work investigates the microstructure of squeeze cast AE42 magnesium alloy and evaluates its hardness before and after heat treatments.
The change in hardness is discussed based on the microstructural observations. Some suggestions are given concerning future design of alloy compositions in order to improve high temperature creep properties even further. It is shown that the microstructure of the squeeze-cast AE42 alloy is stable at high temperature 450 degrees C.
The subsequent solution and ageing treatments have a limited effect on the hardness. The weak age-hardening is attributed to the precipitation of small amount Of Mg17Al12-phase with the use of about 0.7 wt.% aluminum. The heat treatment to achieve a maximum increase in the hardness is: solution treatment at 450 degrees C for 5-10 h followed by an ageing treatment at 190-220 degrees C for about 5 It. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V.
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| Language: | English |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2008 |
| Pages: | 238-245 |
| ISSN: | 18734669 and 09258388 |
| Types: | Journal article |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jallcom.2007.09.071 |
