Creep properties of a Mg-Al-Ca alloy produced by different casting technologies

The microstructures and creep properties of a Mg-Al-Ca alloy (MRI153) produced by various casting technologies, including die casting, squeeze casting and ingot casting, were investigated. The squeeze-cast alloy exhibited the best creep resistance, i.e. the lowest minimum creep rate and the longest creep rupture time, while the poorest creep resistance was observed in the die-cast alloy. The creep resistance is discussed in terms of microstructural features. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.