Effects of isothermal process parameters on the microstructure of semisolid AZ91D alloy produced by SIMA

The effects of isothermal process parameters on the microstructure evolution of semisolid AZ91D alloy produced by strain-induced melt activation (SIMA) were investigated using the self-programmed analysis software based on quantitative metallography. The results showed that long isothermal time could make the semisolid particles more globular, but the size of the particles would grow larger; high semisolid isothermal temperature would reduce the solid volume fraction and accelerate the spherical evolution of the solid particles. It was found that the optimal process parameters should be 570 °C and 10–20 min of isothermal temperature and time respectively based on the conditions of this paper. The mechanism of the particles’ formation was also discussed during the isothermal treatment.