Effect of Neodymium and Zirconium on the Structure of Castable Magnesium Alloy ML10 (NZ30K)

Abstract

Alloys of the Mg – Zn – Zr – Nd system with composition matching that of ML10 (NZ30K) and different contents of the main alloying components within the standardized range are studied. Four-component Mg – Zn –Zr – Nd phase diagrams are simulated, and the stages of crystallization of the alloys are considered. The structure of the alloys is determined in cast condition and after a T6 heat treatment. Fracture surfaces are analyzed. The distribution of the alloying elements in the structure is studied. The changes in the content of zirconium within the standardized range are shown to affect the grain size in the cast and heat treated states.