Effects of Y addition on as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-3Sn-2Ca (wt.%) magnesium alloy

In this paper, the effects of Y addition on the as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of the Mg-3Sn-2Ca (wt.%) magnesium alloy were investigated. The results indicate that adding 0.5 wt.%Y to the Mg-3Sn-2Ca alloy does not cause the formation of any new phases. However, the MgSnY phase is formed in the Mg-3Sn-2Ca alloys added 1.0 wt.% or 1.5 wt.%Y. Furthermore, adding 0.5-1.5wt.%Y to the Mg-3Sn-2Ca alloy not only can suppress the formation of the CaMgSn phase but also can refine the CaMgSn phase. In addition, adding 0.5-1.5wt.%Y to the Mg-3Sn-2Ca alloy can effectively improve the tensile and creep properties of the alloy. The improvement of the properties for the Y-containing Mg-3Sn-2Ca alloys is possibly attributed to the refinement of the CaMgSn phase. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.