Solidification Pathways of Alloys in the Mg-Rich Corner of the Mg-Al-Ba Ternary System

An experimental investigation of the solidification reactions and microstructures of alloys in the Mg-rich corner of the Mg-Al-Ba ternary system has been conducted. Four distinct exothermic reactions involving the formation of α-Mg, Mg17Ba2, Mg17Al12, and a fourth phase designated as τ were observed and their onset temperatures were recorded as functions of composition. Using compositional and microstructural analysis, the Mg17Ba2 intermetallic was found to have significant solubility of Al, up to 20 at. pct. The solidification pathways of the investigated alloys involved both a Class I and Class II equilibrium reaction. A flow block diagram that outlines the observed solidification reactions is presented and discussed in reference to cast microstructures.