Effect of pressure levels on tensile properties of squeeze cast Mg-Al-Sr alloy

The focus of this study is the development of alternative manufacturing processes for potential high temperature magnesium-aluminium-strontium alloys. The effect of external pressure on the tensile properties of squeeze cast Mg-Al-Sr alloy was investigated. Four different levels, 0, 30, 60 and 90 MPa, were applied to Mg-6 wt.% Al - 0.5 wt.% Sr alloy during squeeze casting. The results of tensile testing indicate that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS) and elongation (E-f) of the squeeze cast Mg-Al-Sr alloy increase with increasing applied pressure. Microstructural analysis and porosity measurements suggest that the tensile property enhancement resulting from applied pressure should be attributed to microstructure refinement and porosity reduction of the squeeze cast alloy.