Novel Zirconium Refined Magnesium Alloys

镁是最轻的结构金属。它既可回收又易于使用标准金属生产技术制造。因此，镁合金对于运输和其他行业中的轻质应用非常有吸引力。与更广泛使用的工程合金（如钢或铝）相比，镁具有一些独特的特性。特别是，晶粒细化对于获得镁合金的最佳性能至关重要。最强大的晶粒细化效果是通过少量添加锆（Zr）实现的，但这会限制所使用的其他合金添加剂，因为它们可能与Zr不相容。为了设计改进的镁合金，有必要更好地理解Zr与候选合金添加剂的相互作用。该项目将使用建模和实验来预测Mg-Zr-X系统中Zr和其他潜在有用的合金添加剂的联合添加的效果（其中X是过渡金属添加剂）。特别是，需要更好地了解与Zr的相互作用，有可能改善腐蚀性能的元素。该项目将涉及试验合金的计算建模和实验研究。建模将用于预测给定合金成分可能形成的相，并确定感兴趣的成分。最有希望的组合物将被生产和实验研究。将评估腐蚀性能和微观结构，确定性能和微观结构特征之间的联系。实验方法将包括表征微观结构的电子显微镜、机械测试和帮助了解腐蚀性能的扫描开尔文探针。合作伙伴公司Luxfer MEL technologies是一家总部位于英国的高性能镁合金开发商和生产商，被认为发明了比任何其他公司更多的新合金。该项目将与位于曼彻斯特技术中心的Luxfer MEL技术研究人员密切合作。这将包括借调到Luxfer MEL的机会，以获得在工业环境中进行研究的经验。

Magnesium is the lightest structural metal. It is both recyclable and easily fabricated using standard metal production techniques. As such, magnesium alloys are highly attractive for lightweight applications in transport and other sectors. Magnesium has some unique characteristics compared to the more widely used engineering alloys such as steel or aluminium. In particular, grain refinement is critical to obtain the best performance in magnesium alloys. The most powerful grain refining effect is achieved by small additions of zirconium (Zr) but this can place limits on the other alloying additions used, since they may not be compatible with Zr. To design improved magnesium alloys, it is necessary to better understand the interaction of Zr with candidate alloying additions. This project will use both modelling and experiment to predict the effect of joint additions of Zr and other potentially useful alloying additions in Mg-Zr-X systems (where X is a transition metal addition). In particular, a better understanding is needed of the interactions with Zr for elements that have potential to improve the corrosion performance.The project will involve both computational modelling and experimental investigation of trial alloys. Modelling will be used to predict what phases are likely to form for given alloy compositions and identify compositions of interest. The most promising compositions will be produced and studied experimentally. Corrosion performance and microstructure will be evaluated, with the link between performance and microstructural features determined. Experimental methods will include electron microscopy to characterize microstructure, mechanical testing, and scanning kelvin probe to help understand corrosion performance.The partner company, Luxfer MEL technologies is a UK based developer and producer of high-performance magnesium, credited with inventing more new alloys than any other company. The project will involve close collaboration with Luxfer MEL technologies researchers, based at their technology centre in Manchester. This will include the opportunity for secondment to Luxfer MEL to gain experience of undertaking research in an industrial setting.