Research on strengthening mechanism of AZ63 cast magnesium alloy based on precipitation phase orientation control

Figures & data

Figure 1. The mechanical properties of the alloys: (a) aging-hardening curves, (b) tensile properties, (c) strain hardening rates, (d) comparison of UTS and EL at RT between this work and the references [12–20].

Figure 2. (a, b) SEM images of as-cast microstructure for AZ63 and AZ63M alloy, respectively, (c) BF-TEM and FFT images of Al₈Mn₅ clusters, (d-e) SEM images of solution microstructure for AZ63 and AZ63M alloy, respectively.

Figure 3. TEM images of the aged alloy (z = [11$\overline{2}$0]): (a, b) BF-TEM of nano-precipitation in AZ63 and AZ63M alloys, respectively, (c, d) HR-TEM, FFT and diagram between basal precipitation and matrix, (e, f) HR-TEM, FFT and diagram between prismatic precipitation and matrix, (g) BF-TEM of grain boundary precipitates in as-aged AZ63 alloy (h) HR-TEM and FFT of DP regions, (i) BF-TEM micrographs of grain boundary precipitates in as-aged AZ63M alloys, (j, k) EDS mappings of grain boundary precipitates in as-aged AZ63 and AZ63M alloy, respectively.

Figure 4. The Two-beam BF-TEM of the solid solution AZ63M alloy, z = [2$\overline{1}\overline{1}$0]: (a) g = [0110], strip-like defects (yellow dashed line) and loop-like defects (blue dashed line) are visible; g = [01$\overline{1}$0], strip-like defects (yellow dashed line), loop-like defects (blue dashed line) and rod-like defects (red loops) are visible; (c) Partial enlargement of Figure b, loop-like defects present in an orderly arrangement; (d) Schematic diagram showing different dislocation Burgers vectors in Mg lattice.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the authors upon reasonable request.