Influence of titanium and chromium addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of squeeze cast Mg-6Al alloy

In this study, the effect of titanium and chromium (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 wt%) on the microstructure, mechanical and wear properties of a magnesium-based alloy (Mg-Al 6 wt%) were investigated. The alloys were produced under a controlled atmosphere by a squeeze-casting process. The results show that the addition of Ti element modified the structure and decreased the grain size. A similar trend is also observed in the alloys containing Cr. The results of hardness, tensile and impact testing indicate that the hardness, tensile and impact strength of Mg-6Al alloy increased by adding Ti up to 0.2 wt% and then is relatively constant with increasing Ti. A similar result is also observed in the alloys containing Cr. The wear rate of Mg-6Al alloy decreased with increasing alloying elements up to 0.2 wt%. Then the wear rate is relatively constant with the addition of more alloying elements. While the friction coefficient value of Mg-6Al alloy gradually increased with increasing Cr, the friction coefficient value of Mg-6Al alloy decreased with increasing Ti up to 0.2 wt%. Then the friction coefficient value is constant with increasing Ti. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.