Microstructural and Mechanical Characteristics of Wrought Mg-Sn-Zn Alloy

Precipitate formations and grain size variations in various Mg-Sn-Zn alloys have been investigated and their effects on the tensile properties and sheet metal formability were evaluated. MgSn and MgZn precipitates were observed in the alloy sheets, however any clear difference in morphology or size for the precipitates could not be found even though MgSn precipitates tend to be larger than MgZn. The highest formability in terms of conical cup value was found in the Mg-4 wt%Sn-2 wt%Zn where the high tensile elongation and the reduced grain coarsening at elevated temperatures were observed.