Investigation on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Mg-Sb and Mg-Sb-Si alloys

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2017-01, Vol.691, p.81-88
• Main Authors: Rajeshkumar, R., Jayaraj, Jithu, Srinivasan, A., Pillai, U.T.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Corrosion; Creep; Intermetallic; Microstructure; Tensile
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2016.08.219

In the present research work, the microstructure, mechanical properties as well as corrosion behavior of newly designed Mg-Sb (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt %) and Mg-4Sb-Si (2, and 4 wt %) alloys were investigated. The results showed that the microstructure of binary alloys were composed of α-Mg and Mg3Sb2 whereas that of ternary Mg-4Sb-Si (2, 4 wt %) alloys consisted of α-Mg, Mg3Sb2 and Mg2Si intermetallic phases. Mg-4Sb-4Si alloy exhibited superior tensile, creep and corrosion properties in comparison to that of other studied alloys. The significant improvement in tensile properties at ambient temperature was associated with the dendrite refinement and presence of optimum amount of Mg3Sb2 intermetallics along with Mg2Si intermetallics. Moreover, the presence of thermally stable Mg3Sb2 and Mg2Si intermetallic phases in the ternary alloys restricted the grain boundary sliding and dislocation movement at high temperature and thus improved the creep resistance. The intermetallics played a key role in corrosion behavior of Mg alloys. Increase the volume of Mg3Sb2 in Mg-Sb alloys reduced the corrosion resistance of the alloys whereas Mg2Si intermetallics improved the corrosion resistance of the Mg-Sb-Si alloys. [Display omitted] •Mg-xSb (x = 2,4,6,8) alloys were developed and their properties were studied.•Better mechanical properties are observed with Mg-4Sb alloy.•Si addition improves tensile, creep and corrosion properties of Mg-Sb alloy.