Papers by Author: Elhachmi Essadiqi

Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of the as-cast microstructure on the hot working behavior of an AZ31 magnesium alloy, specimens were cast in copper moulds with and without water cooling. A series of compression tests were performed at a temperature of 350 °C, a strain rate of 0.01 s-1, and at strains up to 1.0. It was found that as-cast microstructure is very sensitive to the solidification conditions, which leads to a significant difference in flow behavior and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) characteristics. It appears that more uniform and refined as-cast grain size promotes dynamic recrystallization and reduces the flow stress. It is also possible that second phases (>1+m in size) contribute to DRX by acting as nuclei.

Abstract: The common joining techniques for Mg sheet and die cast alloys such as riveting, friction-stir welding and adhesive bonding all introduce additional challenges for protection in the joining areas. First of all, the sheet products are prone to high rate of corrosion due to surface contamination. Introduction of iron-rich contaminants can be encountered from the friction-stir welding process. Although powder coating on top of conversion pre-treatments is practical for mitigating corrosion, the lap-shear adhesion of such surfaces can be negatively impacted when the adhesively bonded joints are exposed to a corrosion environment. Anodized surfaces are better in terms of their ability to retain adhesion strength, but their resistance to galvanic corrosion is an issue. Development of galvanically compatible coatings for steel rivets will benefit the adaptation of riveting as a joining technology for magnesium.

Abstract: This work presents experimental investigation of 14 different alloys with differential scanning calorimetery (DSC), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) analysis, quantitative electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques to identify the phases in the Mg-Al-Sr system and to determine their compositions. DSC has permitted real time measurement of the phase changes involved in these systems. The temperature ranges for the phase transformations and enthalpy of melting and enthalpy of formation of the compounds are reported. Comparison between these results and the thermodynamic findings has been discussed. The microstructure of the Mg-Al-Sr-based alloys is primarily dominated by (Mg) and (Al4Sr). The plate-like structure has been identified as Al4Sr. A new ternary intermetallic with chemical composition of 69.9 ± 1.5 at.% magnesium, 19.3 ± 2.0 at.% aluminum and 8.7 ± 0.6 at.% strontium has been identified in three different alloys. This phase was characterized as a large precipitate. Three ternary solid solutions have been observed. The solubility ranges of Al in Mg38Sr9 and Mg17Sr2 are 12.5 and 8.5 at.%, respectively, whereas the solubility of Mg in Al4Sr compound is found to be 23 at.% in the investigated samples. Further, Mg was found to dissolve 11.4 at.% Al at room temperature.

Abstract: Canadian researchers are actively engaged in the development of novel cast, wrought and composite materials that are based on Mg. An overview is provided of Canadian research projects for new applications of Mg alloys that are targeted to the growing needs of the automotive sector. The research work described is funded primarily through two federal programs: the Canadian Lightweight Materials Research Initiative, and the Materials and Manufacturing Theme of the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence. It includes work on mechanical and corrosion performance of high-pressure die castings, gravity and low pressure castings using permanent and sand molds, sheet Mg development and magnesium matrix composites. The metallurgical research facilities at the CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory are featured.

Abstract: In this study, isothermal torsion tests were carried out on magnesium AZ31B alloy under constant strain rate conditions, in the range of 250 to 400oC at 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 s-1. Alloy flow stress dependence on strain rate and temperature can be described by a power law with activation energy of 130 kJ/mol. Microstructural examination of hot deformed samples shows very fine recrystallized grains decorating grain boundaries of larger gains in the form of a necklace. These fine grains are produced by dynamic recrystallization at the grain boundaries of original grains. Microstructure evolution, based on samples quenched at different strain levels, indicates that increasing deformation strain has little effect on recrystallized grain size but widens the recrystallized region, with full recrystallization achieved at a certain high strain level. Recrystallized grain size increases with increasing deformation temperature and strain rate. The latter suggests recrystallization in AZ31 to be essentially a time dependant phenomenon.