Structure changes and mechanical properties of laser alloyed magnesium cast alloys

Purpose: The aim of this work was to investigate structure and mechanical properties of the MCMgAl12Zn1 casting magnesium alloys after laser treatment. The laser treatment was carried out using a high power diode laser (HPDL). Design/methodology/approach: The laser processing of TiC, WC, SiC particles in MCMgAl12Zn1 and the resulted microstructures and properties are discussed in this paper. The resulting microstructure in the modified surface layer was examined. Phase composition was determined by the X-ray diffraction method using XPert device. The measurements of hardness after laser melt injection was also studied. Findings: Structure of the solidyifying material after laser alloying is characteristic with occurrences of areas with the diversified morphology, dependent on solidification rate of the magnesium alloys, is characteristic of structure of the solidified material after laser alloying. The MCMgAl12Zn1 casting magnesium alloys after laser alloying demonstrate similar hardness tests results, in reference to hardness of the alloys before their laser treatment. Research limitations/implications: In this research three powders (titanium carbide, tungsten carbide and silicon carbide) were used to reinforcing the surface of the MCMgAl12Zn1 casting magnesium alloys. Practical implications: High power diode laser can be used as an economical substitute for CO₂ and Nd:YAG lasers to modify the surface magnesium alloy by feeding the carbide particles. Originality/value: The originality of this work is applying of High Power Diode Laser for laser treatment of cast magnesium alloy consisting in fusion penetration of the hard particles of titanium, tungsten, and silicon carbides into the remelted surface layer of the alloy.