Effects of Ce and Sb on the microstructure and properties of AZ91D magnesium alloy prepared by the EPC process

The effects of small amounts of cerium and antimony additions on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of AZ91D (Mg-9A1-Zn) based alloy were researched via the expendable pattern casting (EPC) process. The results show that the microstructure is obviously refined and the tensile strength of the AZ91D based alloy at ambient temperature is significantly improved. When compared to AZ91D, the AZ91D-1.0%Ce-0.4%Sb alloy has higher ultimate tensile strength and elongation. Its ultimate tensile strength and elongation are enhanced by 39% and 47%, respectively. The morphology of the tensile fracture of the AZ91D-1.0%Ce-0.4%Sb alloy has more characteristics of quasi-cleavage. This indicates that it has had a larger plastic deformation before failure. The tensile strength and elongation decrease with the increase of Ce and Sb contents because of the coarsening and volume Increase of CeSb and Al11Ce3 phases.