Interfacial Reaction Between Mg-40Al and Mg-20Ce Using Liquid-Solid Diffusion Couples

Interfacial reactions and growth kinetics between molten Mg-40Al and solid Mg-20Ce were investigated. Reaction temperatures were 475, 500 and 525 °C, with reaction time ranging from 5 to 30 min. The results show that Al₁₁Ce₃, Al₃Ce and Al₂Ce are formed via the reaction of Al and Ce in the diffusion reaction layers. The volume fraction of the intermetallic compounds in the diffusion reaction layers increases with temperature increasing. The growth kinetics of the diffusion reaction layers well conform to the parabolic law. The activation energy for the growth of the diffusion reaction layers is (42±3.7) kJ/mol. Liquid-solid diffusion experiment helps to better understand the formation of compounds in the smelting process. Kinetics data are provided for the formation of the compound during the smelting process.