Influence of Carbon Addition on Mechanical Properties of Thixomolded Magnesium Alloy

For the purpose of application for structural members such as the automobile, effect of carbon modification to the AZ91D magnesium alloy chip surface on fatigue property was examined by the rotary bending test. The carbon modification to the chip surface was quite useful for the control of the internal defect for the thick part on the thixomolding process. The depression of the internal defect by the carbon nanoparticle modification is closely related to the improvement of flowability, and that is presumed to be based on promoting the filling of the molten metal into the metal die inside. The tensile strength and elongation were respectively improved by the carbon addition. In addition, the fatigue strength also improved over 15%. This improvement of the mechanical property is based on the refinement of the crystal grain as well as the depression of the internal defects.