Heat resistant magnesium alloys for automotive powertrain applications

The suitability of new Mg-Zn-Al-Ca-RE alloys for automotive power train applications are evaluated. Zinc and aluminum contents of the alloys were systematically varied in order to determine alloys with a combination of good diecasting characteristics and high heat resistance. Addition of large amounts of zinc to the alloys results in the formation of intermetallic compounds that crystallize at lower temperatures relative to the matrix, and consequently, fluidity is improved, but hot tearing occurs during diecasting. However, one of the new alloys, Mg-0.5%Zn-6%Al-1%Ca-3%RE alloy is found to exhibit good diecastability and comparable heat resistance with the conventional aluminum alloy, ADC12 that is currently used for diecasting of automotive powertrain parts.