Microstructure and tensile properties of magnesium alloy modified by Si/Ca based refiner

Microstructure and mechanical properties of pure magnesium and AZ31 alloy with Ca/Si based refiner addition were investigated. The results indicate that addition of Ca/Si based refiners to pure magnesium and AZ31 alloy results in remarkable microstructure refinement. With proper amount of refiner addition, the grain size in as cast ingots can be one order of magnitude lower than that without refiner addition. Small amount of refiner addition to AZ31 alloy increases both ultimate strength and yield strength significantly,while the ductility of the alloy with refiner addition is similar to that without refiner addition. Addition of refiner improves the deformability of AZ31 alloy and extruded or hot rolled specimens (rods or sheets) with refiner addition exhibit higher surface quality and mechanical properties than those without refiner addition.