Abstract:The microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91 alloy prepared by lost foam casting (LFC) and various heat treatments have been investigated.  The microstructure of the AZ91 alloy via LFC consists of dominant α-Mg and β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ as well as a new phase Al₃₂Mn₂₅ with size of about 5-50μm, which has not been detected in AZ91 alloy prepared by other casting processes.  The tests demonstrate that the ascast mechanical properties are higher than those of sand gravity casting because of chilling and cushioning effect of foam pattern during the mould filling.  The solution kinetics and the aging processes at different temperatures were also investigated by hardness and electrical resistivity measurements.  The kinetics of aging are faster at the high temperature due to enhanced diffusion of atoms in the matrix, so the hardness peak at 380℃ occurs after 10h; while at the lower aging temperature(150℃), the peak is not reached in the time(24h) considered.

Key words: magnesium alloy; lost foam casting; mechanical property; microstructure