Mg6Zn0.4Ca0.5Cu alloy: Physically blended microalloyed lightweight alloy with significantly high strength and ductility

Abstract Microalloying with multi-elements assist in the development of high performance alloys. In this study, a powder metallurgy processed light-weight microalloyed Mg6Zn0.4Ca0.5Cu was developed. Alloying elements were effectively diffused into commercially pure magnesium by high temperature sintering. Although there was some accumulation of non-diffused alloying element at magnesium inter-particle boundary, which were found to have well sintered among themselves and assisted in the enhancement of ductility in the Mg6Zn0.4Ca0.5Cu alloy. The developed alloy experienced simultaneous enhancement in the strength and ductility. The level of strength attained by the Mg6Zn0.4Ca0.5Cu was significant (81% higher than unalloyed magnesium) and similar was the ductility (76% higher than unalloyed magnesium). Solid solution and well-sintered inter-particle accumulated alloying elements induced ductile failure of the Mg6Zn0.4Ca0.5Cu alloy under tensile stress.