Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg–Ge binary magnesium alloys

Abstract

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg–Ge binary alloys (G1, 0·5 wt-%; G2, 1·0 wt-%; G3, 1·5 wt-%; G4, 2·0 wt-%; G5, 2·5 wt-% and G6, 3·5 wt-%) were investigated. The results show that the microstructures of Mg–Ge binary alloys consist of two components: α-Mg dendrites and rod eutectic of (α-Mg+Mg₂Ge) in which the rod shaped precipitates are the intermetallic compound Mg₂Ge phase with the orientation relationship [3 1 0]_Mg2Ge//[0 0 0 1] _α−Mg and (−1 3 −1)_Mg2Ge/13·51°/(0 −1 1 0) _α−Mg. The grain size of α-Mg dendrites is refined effectively in alloys. The solidification behaviour of Mg–Ge binary alloys is analysed. The tensile tests indicated that the ultimate tensile strengths of Mg–Ge binary alloys are enhanced while the elongations are reduced.

Keywords:

• MAGNESIUM ALLOY
• GERMANIUM
• MICROSTRUCTURE
• GRAIN REFINEMENT
• TENSILE STRENGTH