Improving Strength and Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Mg-Sn-Zn-Ca-Ce Alloy by Sn Addition

The strength and electromagnetic shielding capability are two essential requirements for lightweight metallic materials as shielding materials. However, it is still a challenge to develop magnesium (Mg) alloys with both high strength and favorable electromagnetic shielding capability. Herein, the results show that alloying with Sn in Mg-xSn-Zn-Ca-Ce alloys simultaneously increases both strength and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE). After Sn alloying, the average grain size of the alloys is greatly reduced, whereas the intensity of basal texture is enhanced, and the precipitation of Mg2Sn phase is promoted. The Mg-3Sn-Zn-Ca-Ce alloy attains best comprehensive mechanical properties and electromagnetic SE (ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 337 MPa and SE of 91-114 dB) in Sn containing alloys. The increase in strength is attributed to the combination of grain refinement, texture strengthening, and precipitation strengthening. The great electromagnetic SE is mainly due to the regularly arranged Mg2Sn precipitates in the basal plane.

Automated summary

Alloying with Sn in Mg-xSn-Zn-Ca-Ce alloys can simultaneously increase both strength and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. This is achieved through grain refinement, texture strengthening, and precipitation strengthening, resulting in regularly arranged Mg2Sn precipitates in the basal plane, contributing to great electromagnetic shielding capability.