Microstructure and mechanical properties of ZK60 alloy prepared using spark plasma sintering

Abstract

ZK60 magnesium alloy was prepared via the spark plasma sintering technique in the temperature range of 350–450°C with an interval of 50°C. The effect of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy was investigated. The three sintered alloys contained the α-Mg phase and a small fraction of the MgZn₂ phase, and exhibited dense microstructures containing equiaxed grains. The alloy sintered at 400°C exhibited the highest relative density among the three alloys, with an average grain size of 5.42 µm. The yield strength, compressive strength, and fracture strain of the alloy were 130, 270 MPa, and 8%, respectively, corresponding to the most favourable mechanical properties among the three alloys.

KEYWORDS:

• Magnesium alloy
• spark plasma sintering
• microstructure
• mechanical properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 51961035].