Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/88368

Title

Microstructure of laser treated ZE41A-T5 magnesium alloy

Author(s)

Durandet, Y.;  Sun, S.;  Brandt, M.

Abstract

Modification of the microstructure of ZE41A-T5 magnesium alloy substrates was investigated by laser surface re-melting and solidification using a 2.5 kW Nd:YAG laser. The effects of laser power, high scan rate and beam configuration were examined. The microstructure of laser treated ZE41 consisted of small precipitates dispersed in a fine dendritic alpha-magnesium matrix at high scan rates. The redistribution of chemical elements depended mainly on the dwell time in the liquid stage. At high scan rates, long dwell times were achieved by splitting the laser beam into two spots trailing in the scan direction which resulted in a more homogenous distribution of Mg, Zn and Zr. Cracking due to thermal shrinkage during solidification was prevented by reducing the temperature of the melt pool. This was achieved by lowering the laser power, increasing the scan rate and laser spot size. Increasing the laser spot size in the scan direction was conducive to producing homogeneous microstructures without cracks.

Publication type

Journal article

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences. Industrial Research Institute Swinburne

Source

Materials Science Forum, Vol. 654-656 (2010), pp. 759-762

Publication year

2010

FOR Code(s)

0912 Materials Engineering;  1007 Nanotechnology

Keyword(s)

Corrosion;  Cracking;  Laser;  Magnesium;  Microstructure;  Surface modification;  ZE41 alloy

Publisher

Trans Tech Publications

ISSN

0255-5476

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.654-656.759

Copyright

Copyright © 2010 Trans Tech Publications.

Peer reviewed