Abstract Scope |
Precipitation-hardening, also known as age-hardening, is one of the most effective ways to strengthen Mg alloys. Recent studies have demonstrated that Mg–Ag–Ca system has good room temperature stretch formability, high strength and excellent flame-resistance. If precipitation-hardenability can be obtained by artificial aging, this alloy system is expected to attract more attention. In this study, attempts were made by the present authors to develop precipitation-hardenable alloys from the Mg–Ag–Ca system. A newly developed Mg–12Ag–0.1Ca (wt.%) alloy sheet shows moderate tensile yield strengths of 193 MPa, 130 MPa, 117 MPa along the rolling direction (RD), 45° and transverse direction (TD) in a solution treated condition. Subsequent artificial aging increases the tensile yield strength along the RD, 45° and TD to 236 MPa, 163 MPa and 143 MPa, respectively. This improvement in yield strength by the T6 treatment is associated with a dense distribution of Ag-enriched precipitates. |