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Microstructure, Composition, and Depth Analysis of Surface Films Formed on Molten AZ91D Alloy under Protection of SF6 Mixtures

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Abstract

Molten magnesium and its alloy are easily oxidized during processing. SF6 in conjunction with dilute gas is usually used to protect molten magnesium. The cover gas protects the melt by reacting with the metal to form a protective film on the melt surface. This article describes the investigation of the microstructure and composition of the surface film formed in a controlled atmosphere. The results showed that the film contained only MgO and MgF2. Both Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiling and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation indicated the film thickness to be in the range of 0.3 to 2 μm, and the composition of the film was uniform in depth. Particles containing magnesium fluoride formed on the interface between the oxide film and bulk magnesium, which corresponded to the concave areas from the surface observation by SEM. The results also showed that the film thickness increased with the increase of holding time and melting temperature. High concentration of SF6 or high temperature will accelerate the reaction between magnesium and fluoride.

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Acknowledgments

This research work was financially supported by the Tsinghua-Toyo R&D Center of Magnesium and Aluminum Alloys Processing Technology, jointly established between Tsinghua University and Toyo Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd. The study was also supported by the Program for New Century Fund for Excellent University Talents.

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  1. Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China

    Shou-Mei Xiong & Xiao-Long Liu

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  1. Shou-Mei Xiong
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  2. Xiao-Long Liu
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Correspondence to Shou-Mei Xiong.

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Xiong, SM., Liu, XL. Microstructure, Composition, and Depth Analysis of Surface Films Formed on Molten AZ91D Alloy under Protection of SF6 Mixtures. Metall Mater Trans A 38, 428–434 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-006-9035-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-006-9035-z

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