Effect of Sr and Sb on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-5AI-2Si Alloys

A study has been made on the effects of antimony (Sb) and strontium (Sr) additions on the microstructure of Mg-Al-Si alloys. Results showed that the additions of Sb and Sr can modify the morphology of Mg2Si particles from Chinese script shape to refined polygonal shape. Tensile strength and creep resistance were improved and tensile elongation was also increased in the modified alloy with Sb and Sr. The addition of Sr was more effective than Sb modification of AS52 alloy for refining microstructure and thus improving properties.