Microstructure and mechanical properties of die-cast AZ91D magnesium alloy by Pr additions

Mg-9Al-xPr（x=0.4,0.8 and 1.2,mass fraction,%）magnesium alloys were prepared by high-pressure die-casting technique.The effects of Pr on the microstructures of die-cast Mg-9Al based alloy were investigated by XRD and SEM.Needle-like Al11Pr3 phase and polygon Al6Mn6Pr phase are found in the microstructure.With 0.4%Pr addition,fine needle-like Al11Pr3 phase and a small amount of polygon Al6Mn6Pr phase near the grain boundary are found in the microstructure.Increasing Pr addition to 0.8%, lots of coarse needle-like Al11Pr3 phase within grain and polygon Al6Mn6Pr phase on grain boundary are observed.Further increasing Pr addition,the size of needle-like Al11Pr3 phase decreases,while the size of polygon Al6Mn6Pr relatively increases.The mass fraction of Pr at around 0.8%is considered to be suitable to obtain the optimal mechanical properties.The optimal mechanical properties are mainly resulted from grain boundary strengthening obtained by precipitates and solid solution.