Review of grain refinement methods for as-cast microstructure of magnesium alloy

Abstract

As the lightest structural metal, Mg and Mg-based alloys have great potential applications in the aerospace, automotive and nuclear industries. However, such applications have been limited by low ductility and strength. Theoretically, small grain sized structure can synchronously improve its ductility and strength. Yet, universally reliable grain refi nement techniques for the magnesium alloys are still under investigation and some are in strong debating. This paper presents a brief review of development of grain refi nement methods for magnesium alloys, which would contribute to a better understanding of the factors controlling grain refi nement and provide an outlook of future research in this field.

Keywords

• magnesium alloy
• grain refinement
• microstructure