Iron Pickup of AZ91 and AS31 Magnesium Melts in Steel Crucibles

Investigations of AS31 magnesium alloy melts on a laboratory scale result in mutual solubility of iron and manganese at different temperatures in magnesium melts using steel crucibles. However, the solid equilibrium phase is not iron from the crucible but an intermetallic layer, situated between crucible and melt. The buildup of this layer was investigated by immersing steel rods, made of HII, in AZ91 and AS31 melts in industrial furnaces. The composition of the layer is significantly different for AZ91 and AS31 melts. Based on these results, the calculations of crucible wear and sludge amount is possible.