Investigation of Intermetallic Phase Fractions and Dry-corrosive Wear Properties in Mg–Al–Si Ternary Alloy

Abstract

This study produced a non-standard alloy of 85% Mg, 13.5% Al, and 1.5% Si by weight. In-depth microstructural, chemical, and morphological analyses of the secondary β phases formed in the MgAlSi alloy were conducted. The formation processes of the intermetallic phases were also examined. Image processing was applied to the obtained microstructures using the Image-J program. The average alloy had a matrix α phase to secondary β phase ratio of approximately 60/40. Furthermore, a dry and corrosive wear test were applied to the MgAlSi alloy by means of reciprocating motion. The wear rate was calculated to be at least 0.00137 mm3/Nm, indicating that the unique MgAlSi ternary alloy produced had very high wear resistance due to the presence of intermetallic phases. © 2023, American Foundry Society.