Microstructure, aging and corrosion in Mg-4Y-3(Nd,Gd)-0.5Zr and Mg-10Gd-1Eu-1Zn-0.2Zr alloys

• Grant number: 24/05671-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: José Eduardo Spinelli
• Grantee: Lucca Donatão Gonçales Falci
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/17021-5 - Microstructural analysis, heat treatment, and corrosion resistance of Mg-4Y-3(Nd,Gd)-0.5Zr and Mg-10Gd-1Eu-1Zn-0.2Zr alloys, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

The industrial rise of Mg began in the 20th century, driven by its military applications during the World Wars. After a decrease in demand, its usage resurged in the 1990's, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and biomedical industrial sectors. Global Mg production peaked in 2019, fueled by continuous growth in global demand, and shows signs of further growth in the coming years. Mg is crucial in manufacturing lighter alloys for the automotive industry, driving scientific research to enhance its mechanical and corrosion properties. Additionally, certain Mg alloys hold potential in the biomedical sector, especially for absorbable medical devices that aid in tissue healing. The addition of rare earth elements to these alloys has been explored to improve their corrosion resistance. However, there is a research gap in understanding the microstructural shifts in Mg alloys containing rare earths and their effects on corrosion resistance. This undergraduate research project aims to address this gap by involving microstructural analysis and corrosion studies on Mg alloys with rare earths, mainly Y and Gd. The Mg-4Y-3(Nd,Gd)-0.5Zr and Mg-10Gd-1Eu-1Zn-0.2Zr alloys will be examined and subjected to heat treatment through precipitation. Four samples will be evaluated (2 of each alloy with and without treatment), including phase identification and quantification of their sizes and distribution. Finally, the corrosion resistance of these samples will be assessed, focusing on the characteristics of the protective layers formed.