Work

Mechanism of ZnO refining Mg-3Al alloy: experiment research and first principles calculation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ZnO (added in the form of industrial zinc ash) was used as an inoculant to refine the Mg-3Al alloy melt. The effect of ZnO addition amount was studied, and the structure and component characteristics of heterogeneous nucleus were observed using SEM. The refinement mechanism was further analyzed using first principles calculation. The results indicate that Mg-3Al alloy can be effectively refined by ZnO (industrial zinc ash), with the best refinement effect when adding 1 wt%. The SEM observation results show that the particle composition is mainly Mg, Al, Zn, and O. First principles research shows that Mg is stably adsorbed on the T site of ZnO ( 000 1 ̅ ) surface, ZnO plays a refining role in the initial stage of nucleation. The enthalpy calculation results indicate that ZnO reacts during the nucleation process, generating MgAl2O4 and Zn solutes around the particles. MgAl2O4 surface greatly promotes the adsorption growth of Mg atom, MgAl2O4 can effectively refine the alloy.

Source: Materials Research Express

DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/addcb8

Authors: Shuqing Yang, Kang Wei, Qing Sun

Institution: Nanchang Hangkong University

Language: English

Topic: Magnesium Alloys: Properties and Applications

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province