Study on the Effect of Sc and Zr Segregation Elements on the Precipitation Behavior of Precipitates in Mg–10Zn–5Al Alloys
摘要
This study produced Mg–10Zn–5Al–0.3Sc/Zr alloys through gravity casting and solution aging treatment (T6). Using transmission electron microscopy characterization and first-principles calculations, we investigated the mechanisms by which Sc and Zr segregating elements influenced the alloy microstructure at the atomic scale. The results showed that after T6 heat treatment, MgZnAl phases formed in the microstructure of the Mg–10Zn–5Al–0.3Sc/Zr alloys, which had a coherent interface relationship with the matrix. The grain size of the Mg–10Zn–5Al–0.3Zr alloy was approximately 37.15 μm, with a tensile strength of 214.95 MPa and an elongation of 1.31%. In comparison, the average grain size of the Mg–10Zn–5Al–0.3Sc alloy was 44.52 μm, with a tensile strength of 194.79 MPa and an elongation of 1.09%. The comparison demonstrated that while both Zr and Sc enhanced the alloy's properties, the strengthening effect exhibited by Zr was substantially more pronounced compared to that of Sc. Additional high-resolution transmission electron microscopy characterization indicated the presence of nanoscale growth twins, dislocation cells, and dislocation walls in the microstructure of the Mg–10Zn–5Al–0.3Zr alloy. These growth twins interacted with dislocation cells and dislocation walls, increasing the local strain energy, which increased the strength and ductility of the alloy. Compared to the as-cast Mg–10Zn–5Al alloy, the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the Mg–10Zn–5Al–0.3Zr alloy after heat treatment increased by 29.32, 11.1, and 0.83%, respectively.