Effects of Sn addition forms on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy

AbstractIn the present paper, the influences of the addition forms of Sn, such as nanoparticles or ingot, on the microstructure and properties of magnesium alloy matrix were investigated. It was found that the size of as-formed Mg2Sn phases was in nano scale for the sample with Sn nanoparticles addition. While Mg2Sn phases were in macro scale for the sample with Sn ingot addition. The strength and plasticity of the AZ31 alloy matrix were improved because of the Sn additions regardless of nanoparticle or ingot. However, the AZ31 alloy with Sn ingot addition exhibited better mechanical properties than the sample with the nanoparticle addition, which could be owing to the loss of Sn nanoparticles in the processing of smelting and existence of nanoscopic Mg2Sn phase as particle clusters in the matrix.