Improved method for High Strength Magnesium Alloys in the as-cast Condition

Due to their low density and high specific properties, Magnesium alloys are often considered for applications in which weight savings are an important selection factor. There are however, some significant challenges to widespread application of magnesium alloys. Despite these potential opportunities, the use of as-cast magnesium alloys is still hampered by their lower strengths in the as cast despite the advent of alloys that contain an appreciable amount of precipitates (such as the LPSO containing Mg-Y-Zn and Mg-Al-Gd alloys and/or rare-earth containing alloys, e.g., Mg-Gd-X-Y). We propose refining grain size of cast LPSO alloys through selective chemistry, rapid cooling, and high shear conditioning,. Subsequent solutionizing and heat treatment will be use to maximize strengthening effects in these alloys. Availability of these low-cost magnesium alloys with significantly higher strengths could not only provide weight savings in current applications but open up additional applications for cast magnesium.