Mechanical Behavior and Microstructure Evolution during Semi-Solid Squeeze Cast Processing of Ignition-Proof Mg-Zn-Ca-Zr Alloy

The mechanical behavior and microstructural evolution in the ignition-proof Mg-Zn-Ca-Zr alloy produced by the semisolid squeeze casting are clarified and the mechanical properties are also compared with those of squeeze cast Mg-Zn-Ca-Zr alloy. The tensile strength and elongation increase slightly as the solid fraction depending on temperature decreases, while the 0.2% proof stress decreases. The size of primary crystal increases with increasing holding time. The tensile strength and 0.2% proof stress of the semi-solid squeeze cast Mg-Zn-Ca-Zr alloy decrease as the size of primary crystal increases, indicating the dependence of strength on the size of primary crystal. The elongation of the semi-solid squeeze cast Mg-Zn-Ca-Zr alloy is two times as large as the squeeze cast Mg-Zn-Ca-Zr alloy and the tensile strength is unchanged despite the growth of primary crystal, resulting from the refining of the melted ${\alpha}Mg$ phase and the brittle eutectic compound as well as the reduction of solidification shrinkage and porosities.