Influence of SiC particles on the grain refinement of an Mg-Al alloy

SiC particles are effective grain refiners in Mg-Al alloys. Several investigations, from different researchers, into their effect on a range of alloys with different AI contents has been undertaken and it has been found that the greatest reduction in grain size occurs in alloys having low Al contents. Performing grain refinement studies on a range of alloy contents also allows for further investigation into the mechanisms of grain refinement. It was found that the size of the SiC particles is also important in magnesium grain refinement. However, the presence of Mg(2)Si in the microstructure and the consideration of phase equilibria suggest that SiC can transform into other binary or ternary carbides. If such carbides are formed, they may also act as an effective grain refiner for Mg-Al alloys. In this study, the possibility of formation of new carbides (Al(4)C(3), Al(2)MgC(2), Mn(7)C(3), Mg(2)C, Mg(2)C(3), Al(2)CO etc.) and their ability to be good grain refiners for Mg-Al alloys is discussed.