Measurement of Diffusion Coefficients and Assessment of Atomic Mobilities in HCP Mg-Ag-Sn Alloys

Abstract

Reliable thermodynamic and kinetic databases are essential for designing and developing novel magnesium (Mg) alloys for elevated-temperature applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. This study investigated diffusion behaviors of HCP Mg-Ag-Sn alloys by four sets of three diffusion couples annealed at 450, 500, and 550 °C, respectively. Interdiffusion and impurity diffusion coefficients at the three annealing temperatures were extracted using the forward-simulation method. The determined diffusion coefficients, combined with prior results in the literature, were then used to assess atomic mobilities for the HCP phase of the Mg-Ag-Sn system. This assessment was conducted using the DICTRA and the TCMG5 thermodynamic database within the Thermo-Calc software. Comprehensive comparisons between calculated and experimental diffusion coefficients yielded an excellent agreement. The atomic mobilities were also further validated by appropriate predictions of concentration profiles and diffusion paths observed in independent diffusion couple experiments performed at 525 °C for 18 hrs. It has been found that the addition of Sn and Ag both increase the diffusivity of Ag in HCP Mg and Sn in HCP Mg in the stable temperature range of HCP Mg, respectively. This improved understanding of the kinetics in the Mg-Ag-Sn ternary system is essential for controlling diffusion-dependent properties such as coarsening and, therefore, the mechanical properties of Mg-Ag-Sn alloys at elevated temperatures.