Role of Cerium on the creep properties of the Mg-Sn-Al based alloys

ABSTRACT In the present study, the effect of Ce alloying element with different quantities (1 and 2 wt.%) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-5Sn-2Al alloy was investigated. Phase analyses and microstructural studies were carried out using XRD and SEM. It was observed that base alloy was composed of the α-Mg and Mg2Sn intermetallic phase, and after Ce addition Ce5Sn4 intermetallic phase was formed. Also, an increase was detected on the microhardness of the base alloy with increasing Ce addition. The test results showed that Ce addition has no notable effect on the tensile properties at room temperature but has a positive effect at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, creep properties of the Mg-5Sn-2Al alloy were obviously improved by adding Ce. The values of stress exponents and activation energy indicated that the dominant creep mechanisms of the alloys were identified dislocation climb controlled creep..