Based upon the thermodynamic model of stacking-fault energy, the energy of the hcp alloys AZ31, AZ61 and AZ91 was calculated. The equation for the influence of solute concentration and its segregation upon the stacking-fault energy was established. The result showed that the thermodynamic model was fitted perfectly by the hcp alloys and the calculated result was generally consistent with experimental ones. The stacking-fault energy of AZ31, AZ61 and AZ91 was 45mJ/m2 at 373K. The stacking-fault energy of magnesium alloys decreased gradually with increasing temperature. The chemical free energy was the key factor influencing stacking-fault energy. In addition, aluminum could reduce the stacking-fault energy of magnesium alloy. The stacking-fault energy decreased with increasing aluminum content of the base magnesium alloy. The influence of segregation upon the stacking-fault energy could not be ignored, as Al segregation could increase the stacking-fault energy of magnesium alloys.

Influence of Solute and Solute Segregation on the Stacking Fault Energy in HCP Metals. Z.Feng, X.Zhang, F.Pan: Rare Metal Materials and Engineering, 2012, 41[10], 1765-9