Evaluation of structural and high-temperature magnesium alloys at room temperature

The automobile and light truck industries are continuing to use more and more magnesium castings in structural and high-temperature applications. New alloys (Noranda N, Noranda AJ52, Hydro AS21X, Dead Sea Magnesium MRI-153) are being promoted, but their mechanical properties are not well documented. Also, the relationship between chemistry, microstructure and mechanical properties has not been determined. Therefore, five high temperature magnesium alloys (N, AJ52, AS21X, MRI-153 and AE42) and two structural magnesium alloys (AM50 and AM60) were melted and cast at the INTERMET Monroe City Plant (a production high-pressure die casting facility) and the castings evaluated at the INTERMET Technical Center. This paper documents the results of tests that determined the room temperature tensile and impact properties of these alloys along with their chemical composition and microstructure. The metallurgical factors affecting mechanical properties are discussed and will assist the metallurgist in understanding the relationships between structure and properties. The property data will assist engineers and designers in using these lightweight materials efficiently and effectively.