Effects of Quenching Rate on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of the Heat Treatable Mg-4.2Y-2.3Nd-1.0Gd-0.6Zr Magnesium Alloy

Abstract

The effects of quenching rate on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the heat treatable Mg-4.2Y-2.3Nd-1.0Gd-0.6Zr (wt.%) (WE43) sand-cast alloy have been studied using a combination of mechanical testing, Vickers hardness testing, optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Two quenching conditions, either air quenching or 60°C water quenching, were employed. The results indicate that some precipitates have formed in the matrix and grain boundaries in the air-quenched solutionized alloy. And the Vickers hardness and yield strength (YS) is HV77 and 155 MPa, respectively, which is slightly more than the 60°C water-quenched solutionized alloy. However, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength (YS) of the peak-aged at 250°C (T6) of the two quenching conditions are both 273 MPa and 212 MPa, respectively. And they have similar age hardening curves at 250°C and the T6 microstructure. So the results indicate that in this work of quenching rate range WE43 alloy has few quench sensitivity effect.