The effect of tin addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of squeeze cast AM60 alloy

In this study, the effect of tin addition (0, 0.5,1, 2 and 4 wt% Sn) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a magnesium-based alloy (AM60) were investigated. The alloys were produced under a controlled atmosphere by a squeeze-casting process. The results indicated that Sn addition effectively decreased the dimension of eutectic phase region on the grain boundary. The hardness value of AM60 alloy increased with the increment of alloying element ingredients. The tensile testing results indicated that the greatest ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was exhibited by AM60-4 wt% Sn as 212 MPa. The impact strength of AM60 alloy was remarkably increased by 0.5 wt% Sn addition from 16J in initial state to 24J. Having added to this critical weight percentage tin ratio, the impact strength starts to decrease with increasing Sn addition. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.