Effects of Sr and B addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy

The effects of Sr and B addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91 alloy were studied. The results of this work show that a small amount of Sr addition to AZ91 refined the grain size. The highest tensile strength was obtained from the alloy with the optimal composition of 0.5% Sr and 0.09% B added, in which the average grain size was 42 μm. The tensile strength and elongation of the AZ91–0.5%Sr–0.09%B alloy were 151 MPa and 1.62%, respectively. Some needle-shaped Al₄Sr particles distributed mainly at grain boundaries have been observed in the alloys with Sr and B additions. The fluidity is improved significantly, and the solidification range decreased by adding Sr and B. The liquidus of AZ91 alloy decreased markedly with the addition of Sr and B, but the solidus hardly changed. Therefore, the solidification range can be decreased, which will improve the die-casting properties.