Effects of Sn on microstructure of as-cast and as-extruded Mg-9Li alloys
(1. College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China;
2. National Engineering Research Center for Magnesium Alloys, Chongqing University, Chongqing 40004, China;
3. New Materials Center, Chongqing Academy of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401123, China;
4. School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia)
2. National Engineering Research Center for Magnesium Alloys, Chongqing University, Chongqing 40004, China;
3. New Materials Center, Chongqing Academy of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401123, China;
4. School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia)
Abstract: The effects of Sn addition on the microstructure of as-cast and as-extruded Mg-9Li alloys were investigated. The results show that α-Mg, β-Li, Li2MgSn, and Mg2Sn are primary phases in the microstructures of the as-cast and as-extruded Mg-9Li-xSn (x=0, 5; in mass fraction, %) alloys. Li2MgSn phase evolves from continuously net-like structure in the as-cast state to fine granular in the as-extruded state. After the extrusion, Mg-9Li-5Sn alloy has finer microstructures. Li2MgSn or Mg2Sn compound can act as the heterogeneous nucleation sites for dynamic recrystallization during the extrusion due to the crystallography matching relationship. Extrusion deformation leads to dynamic recrystallization, which results in the grain refinement and uniform distribution. The as-extruded Mg-9Li-5Sn alloy possesses the lowest grain size of 45.9 μm.
Key words: Mg-9Li alloys; Sn; microstructure; heterogeneous nucleation