High Mechanical Properties of Cast Quasicrystal-Reinforced Mg-Alloys

Mg-8Zn-4Al-xY base alloys containing an icosahedral quasicrystal phase (i-phase) as a main strengthening phase were prepared by casting into a copper mould at moderate cooling rates. The Y addition was effective for decreasing the size of i-phase and the more homogeneousness of its dispersed state. The mechanical properties at room temperature were much superior to those of AZ91 alloy. The creep tests indicated a promising high temperature creep resistance of the quasicrystal-reinforced Mg-Zn-Al-Y cast alloy. The dislocation characteristic in crept specimens which containing i-phase and no i-phase was analyzed and strengthening mechanism was discussed.