Effect of grain refiners on squeeze casting of magnesium alloy AM6

The effect of hexachloroethane (C2Cl6) and calcium carbide (CaC2) as grain refiners added into the squeeze casting AM60 magnesium alloys was investigated in this study. The results of thermal analysis and microstructural analysis indicate the occurrence of heterogeneous nucleation of primary magnesium during solidification. The microstructural analysis suggests that the nucleation behaviors of C2Cl6/CaC 2-treated AM60 alloys may be attributed to the increase in nuclei and nucleation rate during the solidification of the magnesium alloy. Grain size measurements indicated that both C2Cl6 and CaC 2 have the capability to unify the average grain sizes of squeeze cast magnesium alloy AM60 among different section thicknesses. The tensile testing indicate the improved tensile properties especially in the thick sections. The corrosion tests showed an increase in corrosion resistance as the grain refiners were added into the squeeze cast alloy AM60.