Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-Zn-Y Alloys Fabricated by Rapid Solidification and Spark Plasma Sintering Processes

Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy powders were prepared from gas atomization process, followed by consolidation using spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. The atomized Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy particles were entirely spherical in shape and dendrite microstructure. The compacts sintered by SPS process have values more than 99% of theoretical density. The compressive yield strength was decreased as sintering temperature increased. It is found that the compressive strength showed the maximum value of 303MPa at the sintered specimen under load of 250MPa at 350°C.