Microstructural Evolution, Mechanical Performance, Electrical Conductivity, and Corrosion Behavior of Mg-0.4Zr-0.3Mn Cast Alloy with Erbium Addition

Yilmaz E., Kocaman E., Joshi S. S., Karakulak E.

JOM, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11837-026-08706-7
  • Dergi Adı: JOM
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Applied Science & Technology Source, Compendex, EMBASE, INSPEC, Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
  • Kayseri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The influence of erbium (Er) addition on the microstructural evolution, mechanical performance, electrical conductivity, and corrosion behavior of a Mg-0.4Zr-0.3Mn cast alloy has been investigated. Alloys containing 0 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 2 wt.%, and 3 wt.% Er were fabricated via conventional casting, and a comprehensive characterization, mechanical test, electrical conductivity, and corrosion tests were conducted. The results reveal that increasing Er content leads to significant grain refinement, attributed primarily to enhanced constitutional undercooling and solid-driven growth restriction during solidification. XRD analysis indicates that Er is predominantly retained in solid solution within the α-Mg matrix with no clearly detectable secondary phases. This microstructural modification contributes to a notable improvement in mechanical properties with ultimate tensile strength and hardness increasing progressively with Er addition, while ductility is simultaneously enhanced. However, the addition of Er results in a reduction in electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, likely due to increased lattice distortion of solute atom concentration and the formation of micro-galvanic couples. Finally, the findings demonstrate that controlled alloying with Er is an effective strategy for tailoring the strength ductility balance in Mg alloys, although trade-offs in functional properties such as corrosion resistance must be carefully considered.