Effects of stirring time and cooling rate on the rheocast microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium alloy MRI 230D

Abstract

Semisolid state processing is a methodology that transforms dendritic as-cast microstructure into globular non-dendritic microstructure with optimized mechanical properties. Rheocasting process involves mechanically stirring metals in a semisolid state and its benefits are associated with processing parameters. In order to evaluate stirring time effects, magnesium alloy MRI 230D (Mg–Al6.45–Ca2.25– Mn0.27–Sr0.25–Sn0.84) was melted and cooled down to semisolid processing temperature (595ºC). Moreover, isothermal stirring was executed for 1, 2, 4 and 8 minutes. In each experiment, cylindrical samples with different diameters (6 and 12 mm) were collected to evaluate cooling rates effects. The microstructure was analyzed through optical and electron microscopes. The results showed that in the longest stirring times, the primary α-Mg phase got coarser and the interglobular region became more refined. Although shape factor initially increased, subsequently there was a tendency to stabilize. Regarding cooling conditions, it was found that the interglobular region became more refined at higher cooling rates. Mechanical tests revealed an initial decrease in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and ductility, but afterwards increased due to a more regular microstructure and superior shape factor. The 8-minutes stirring sample achieved the best results: an increase of 12% in UTS and 16% in ductility.