Abstract:ZA-27 alloys reinforced by Mn-containing intermetallic compounds were prepared and the effect of Mn content on their mechanical properties were examined. By adding Mn, rare earth elements(RE) and Ti into ZA-27, experimental alloys were fabricated by sand casting. The volume fraction, grain size and morphology of the Mn-containing intermetallic compound phases vary with the changing of Mn content. Mechanical properties of the reinforced ZA-27 alloys at elevated temperatures were measured. The results show that the hardness, compressive strength and compressibility of experimental alloys increase with increasing Mn content until they reach a maximum at 0.5% Mn. Excessive and coarse hard phases would act as crack origins instead of dispersion strengthening particles. Best tensile properties of these alloys at elevated temperature can be achieved at a Mn content of 0.18 %.

Key words:  ZA-27; intermetallic compounds; mechanical properties