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

The focus of this study is on development of alternative manufacturing processes for potential high temperature magnesium-aluninium-calcium alloys. The effect of applied pressures on tensile properties of squeeze casting magnesium alloy Mg-5wt.0/oAl-1wt.%Ca has been investigated with applied pressure levels varying from 3 to 90 MPa. The experimental observation indicates that the applied pressure of squeeze casting not only reduces the porosity level of Mg-Al-Ca squeeze castings, but also eliminates their surface cracks. The results of tensile testing show that an increase in applied pressures enhances the tensile properties of the alloy. The inicrostructural analysis and density measurements imply that the material densification should be responsible for the reduction in porosity, the improvement in the tensile properties plus the elimination of surface cracking.