Microstructure Evolution of AS21 Magnesium Alloy via the SIMA Process

Abstract

ASis a relatively new series of Magnesium alloys. The microstructure of this alloy can be improved for semisolid processing. The current research is concerned with the microstructure evolution of AS21 under the strain induced melt activated (SIMA) process. For this purpose, the AS21 alloy is cast and compressed 10-40% at 200 °C. The semisolid heat treatment is completed in a carbonate salt bath at different temperatures between 600-620 °C. The microstructure studies show that there is no favourable microstructure evolution between 600-610 °C. At 615 °C fine globular grains are obtained with the most desired mean grain size and sphericity of 67 µm and 81%, respectively. At 620 °C an undesirable coarsening phenomenon occurs that damages the microstructure globularity. SEM micrographs show that in a successful SIMA processing, the Mg2Si phases are broken into fine particles distributed within the grains and grain boundaries.