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Microfracture Test of Mg12ZnY Intermetallic Compound in Mg-Zn-Y Alloys

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 March 2011

Hajime Yoshimura
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1, Kurokami, Kumamoto, Japan
Shun Matsuyama
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1, Kurokami, Kumamoto, Japan
Mitsuhiro Matsuda
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1, Kurokami, Kumamoto, Japan
Masaaki Otsu
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1, Kurokami, Kumamoto, Japan
Kazuki Takashima
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1, Kurokami, Kumamoto, Japan
Yoshihito Kawamura
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1, Kurokami, Kumamoto, Japan
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Abstract

A Mg-Zn-Y alloy including a Mg12ZnY intermetallic compound exhibits excellent mechanical properties as compared to conventional magnesium alloys. The superior mechanical properties of this alloy seem to originate from the Mg12ZnY intermetallic compound; however, the mechanical properties of Mg12ZnY itself have not yet been fully investigated owing to the small size of this compound. In this study, a microfracture test was performed to investigate the fracture properties of the Mg12ZnY intermetallic compound. The material used in this test was a Mg88Zn5Y7 alloy. Micro-sized cantilever specimens composed of Mg12ZnY, with dimensions of 10 × 20 × 50 μm3, were prepared selectively isolated from the Mg88Zn5Y7 alloy using focused ion beam (FIB) machining. Notches with a width of 0.5 μm and a depth of 5 μm were also introduced into the micro-sized specimens. Microfracture tests were performed using a mechanical testing machine for microscale materials. The fracture toughness values (KQ) of Mg12ZnY were 1.2−3.0 MPam1/2. TEM observations indicated that the KQ values were dependent on the crack orientation in Mg12ZnY, with the higher KQ values correlating with cracks propagating parallel to the c-axis of Mg12ZnY. This suggests that the fracture toughness of Mg-Zn-Y alloys can be improved by controlling the orientation of the Mg12ZnY compound.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2011

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References

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