Papers by Author: Mi Lin Zhang

Abstract: The microstructure and tensile properties of the as-cast and as-extruded Mg-12Li-1Zn-xSn (x=1, 3, 5, 8, wt.%) alloys were investigated. The alloys are mainly composed of β-Li phase, Mg₂Sn phase. With the increase of Sn content, the microstructure of as-cast alloys is refined. After extrusion processing, grain size is obviously refined, and the Mg2Sn phase is broken into tiny particles. The elevated-temperature tensile behavior of the alloy was investigated at 373~523k under the strain rate of 1×10^-2~1.7×10^-4s^-1. The results indicate addition of Sn can improve the strength and plasticity, when the content of Sn is 5.0 wt.%, the as-extruded alloy possesses good superplasticity, which obtains the maximum elongation of 134.4% under a low strain rate of 1.0×10^-3s^-1 at 523K.

Abstract: Mg-8.5Li-1Al-1Ce alloys were prepared with vacuum induction melting method. Uniaxial rolling deformation of alloys was obtained by two-roll milling. The effect of rolling deformation was studied on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-8.5Li-1Al-1Ce. The results show that the microstructure morphologies of α-phase, β-phase and Al2Ce-phase go through different changes under different rolling percentages, and the mechanical properties are improved with increasing deformation. Besides the basal slip system, the prism and pyramidal slip systems are also activated in α(Mg) phase, with all the slip systems in β(Li) phase being uniformly activated.

Abstract: An Mg-Li-Al-Zn-Sn alloy was prepared by vacuum melting. The actual content of the elements in the alloy was determined using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission mass spectrometry (ICP-AEMS). The density of the alloy was detected using Archimedes’ method. Extrusion and rolling deformation were carried out on this alloy. Its microstructures and mechanical properties were then studied with an optical microscope (OM), scanning electronic microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and tensile tester. The extruded alloy was composed of α-Mg and Mg2Sn phases and had good strength and elongation properties as well as a good comprehensive performance. After further rolling deformation, an Al-Li phase appeared due to atomic diffusion during the hot rolling process. Strain-hardening and the strengthening effect of the Al-Li phase further improved the strength of the alloy but decreased its elongation capacity.

Abstract: Mg-4Al-6RE-0.3Mn (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, wt.%) magnesium alloys were prepared successfully by the high-pressure die-casting technique. The microstructures and tensile properties in the temperature range from room temperature to 200 °C were investigated. It was confirmed that the Mg-Al-RE-based alloys exhibited an outstanding die-cast character. The cross-section of test bar could be divided into the fine skin region and the relatively coarse interior region by a narrow band with fine structure. Two binary Al-RE (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd) phases with the former being the dominant one, Al₁₁RE₃ and Al₂RE, occupied large grain boundary area. All the four alloys exhibited excellent tensile properties until 200 °C, which were mainly attributed to the fine grain size and the strengthening phase Al₁₁RE₃ with high volume fraction, fine acicular/lamellar morphology, "orderly stack” distribution and good thermal stability. The results of this work provided a basis for further investigation of the new heat-resistant high-pressure die-cast magnesium alloys designed to serve at temperature up to 200 °C.