GRAIN BOUNDARY WETTING AND SOLIDIFICATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL LIQUID IN AZ91 MG CAST ALLOY.

In this study, constitutional liquation in AZ91 cast alloy at 440°C and 465°C was experimentally simulated. Metallurgical examination was conducted to reveal the morphology of the constitutional liquid and dihedral angle was measured to evaluate the wettability of the liquid on grain boundary. Dihedral angle was found to be initially ~30 degree and thus grain boundaries were incomplete wet. During annealing, the metastable constitutional liquid resolidified, followed by grain growth. The extent of grain boundary wetting by the remaining liquid increased slightly with treating time. The rate of resolidification was also evaluated and the factors affecting this rate were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]