Microstructure and properties of HPDC AM60 based alloys for super-sized integrated automotive components

The commercial AM60 (Mg-6Al-0.3Mn) die-casting alloy was modified through Mn, Ce, and La micro-alloying, each at a content below 0.2 wt.%. SEM, TEM, and Micro-CT were employed to characterize the microstructures and properties of AM60 based alloys. AM60-0.2La alloy showed excellent mechanical properties. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of (288.0±1.7) MPa, (158.0±1.0) MPa, and (22.0±3.0)% were achieved in AM60-0.2La alloy. Besides, AM60-0.2La alloy exhibited the best corrosion resistance (0.29 mm/a) and fluidity among the investigated four alloys. The excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance are mainly attributed to the grain refinement strengthening, low porosity, and low content of large shrinkage porosity, promising for super-sized integrated automotive components.