The addition of tin and zinc elements in magnesium metal and investigation of its properties

In this study, the effect of tin (wt. % 1-3-5) on the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of pure magnesium were investigated. In addition tin, a constant value of Zn (wt. % 1) was added to alloys with Sn. The alloys were produced under a controlled atmosphere by a gravity-casting process.The results show that the addition of Sn element modified the microstructure and decreased the grain size. In the case of Zn addition, the smaller grains were obtained. X-ray difractometry revealed that the main phases are ?-Mg, Mg2Sn in the all of alloys. Furthermore, it is not observed any Zn based intermetallics in all alloys tested. The hardness and compressive strength of pure-Mg increased by adding Sn up to 5wt.% however, the tensile strength of pure-Mg increased by adding Sn up to 3wt.%. A similar trend is also observed in the alloys containing 1wt% Zn, but more strong than with only Sn. The greatest elongation were exhibited by Mg-3wt.% Sn-1wt.% Zn. The corrosion rate of pure-Mg decreased with increasing alloying element up to 5wt.% Sn. In the case of Zn addition, the corrosion resistance of alloys increased when compared with only Sn alloys.