Effect of Al additions on the age hardening response of the Mg-2.4Zn-0.1Ag-0.1Ca (at.%) alloy-TEM and 3DAP study

We have investigated the effect of the systematic addition of Al to the Mg-2.4at.% Zn-0.1Ag-0.1Ca (at.%) alloy to explore the possibility of further strengthening this alloy. Although the addition of Al was found to enhance the precipitation kinetics, no increase in the maximum hardness was observed. It does not alter the precipitation products and their morphology. Based on detailed microstructural investigation results, the role of Al on enhancing the precipitation kinetics is discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.