Influence of silver addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of squeeze cast Mg-6Al-1Sn-0.3Mn-0.3Ti

In this study, the effect of silver (0, 0.2, 0.5, and 1 wt.%) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a magnesium-based alloy (Mg-Al 6 wt.%-Sn 1 wt.%-Mn 0.3 wt.%-Ti 0.3 wt.%) were investigated. The alloys were produced under a controlled atmosphere by a squeeze-casting process. X-ray diffractometry revealed that the main phases are alpha-Mg, alpha-Ti, beta-Mg17Al12 and Al8Mn5 in the all of alloys. In addition to, Al81Mn19 phase was found with Ag additive. Besides, the amount of beta-Mg17Al12 phase was decreased with increasing the amount of Ag. The strength of the base alloy was increased by solid solution mechanism and decreasing the amount of beta-Mg17Al12 phase with addition of Ag. Furthermore, existence of Al81Mn19 phase can be acted an important role in the increase on the mechanical properties of the alloys. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.