Caceres C H

Abstract: Analytical quality index charts for Mg-Al and Mg-Zn casting alloys are presented. Data from the literature are used to illustrate possible applications of the charts to assess the effect of solute content, grain refining, casting conditions, heat treatment, etc., on the mechanical properties of the materials. The charts suggest that improvements in the tensile performance of current Mg-Al and Mg-Al-Zn alloys are possible through grain refining. Mg-Zn alloys are more ductile and reach necking when grain refined with Zr. Further improvements in the alloys' quality by grain refining alone do not seem possible unless the microstructure is modified to delay the onset of necking.

Keywords: Mg-Al, Mg-Zn, Alloys, Quality index charts, Sand-cast.