Effect of homogenization on microstructure and properties of WE91 alloys

The microstructure and properties of the Mg-9Y-1MM-0.6Zr alloy were studied by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, hardness and tensile testing. Homogenization was confirmed, and the solidification model was established. The as-cast alloy was mainly composed of α-Mg and eutectic structures. The suitable homogenization parameters were 535°C for 18 h. Most of the eutectic structure dissolved in this process. Only the Mg4.26Y95.74 and Mg12 (MM) phases were remained in, and only a few microstructure occurred for prolonged time. The ultimate tensile strength of the alloy increased up to 232 MPa after homogenization, but the yield strength and the elongation were almost as same as the as-cast state. In the as-cast alloys the cracks started in the eutectic structure, and then intergranular fracture occurred, but in the homogenate alloys residual phases became the source of the cracks and then transcrystalline fracture took place. The most important roles of homogenization were the decomposition of the eutectic structure, furthermore the intergranular fracture turned into a transcrystalline fracture, which was one of the main reasons to increase the strength of the alloys.