Optimization of heat treatment in AZ64 magnesium alloy

Abstract

The heat treatment parameters of AZ64 magnesium alloy have been optimized using thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The thermal analysis result revealed that two precipitation reactions took place during the solidification of AZ64 alloy. Therefore, a two-step solution heat treatment method, instead of traditional solution treatment whose temperature was about 10°C below the solidus temperature, was developed corresponding to the dissolution of two precipitate phases. With comparison to the traditional heat treatment, the two-step treatment method could generate a complete solution effect. During the following aging process, precipitates almost uniformly dispersed throughout the matrix, thus improve the tensile strength of alloy. © 2008 The Japan Institute of Metals.