Thermodynamic prediction of alloying element distribution in magnesium matrix composites

Abstract

The effect of alloying elements on the properties of magnesium (Mg) matrix composites is significant. The distribution of alloy elements between the matrix and the reinforcements plays a pivotal role in the element selection and compositional design of Mg-based metal matrix composite. This work used thermodynamics to study the equilibrium distribution coefficients of the 40 elements X (Be, Ca, Zn, Sn, REs, etc.) in the Mg-Ti and Mg-Zr systems at 573 K, 773 K and 973 K. In addition, the binary solution enthalpies were evaluated using the Miedema model to predict the bonding tendency of the element X with Mg, Ti and Zr. These research outputs provide valuable data and theoretical reference for Mg-alloy design and optimization.