Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Increasing Sn content up to 7.5 wt.% in Mg-Sn alloys enhances tensile strength and wear resistance due to grain refinement and Mg2Sn precipitation. • The addition of Sn reduces casting porosity, improving overall alloy quality and structural integrity. • Mg-7.5wt.% Sn alloy exhibits superior tribological performance with reduced wear and friction, indicating better surface durability. • A slight reduction in microhardness is observed at higher Sn content, suggesting a trade-off between strength and hardness.
Abstract
In this study, the effect of Tin (Sn) addition on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of pure magnesium (Mg) was examined. Mg-Sn alloys were synthesized using stir casting technique with Sn concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% by weight. The specimens were prepared as per ASTM standards for their evaluation. Higher Sn concentrations result in a reduced volume fraction of the eutectic phase, while Mg2Sn precipitates are observed in alloys with 5% or more Sn. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the Mg-7.5wt.% Sn alloy reveals the presence of Mg(OH)2, with X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirming an oxygen content of 18% by weight. The addition of Sn minimizes casting porosity, enhancing the quality of the alloys. The findings demonstrate a positive correlation between increasing Sn content and enhanced strength and wear resistance. The Mg-7.5wt.% Sn alloy exhibits significantly enhanced tensile properties attributed to grain refinement and the formation of well-defined grain boundaries compared to alloys with lower Sn additions (2.5% and 5%), although a slight reduction in microhardness is observed. Tribological evaluation indicates reduced wear and friction, suggesting better surface performance. This research underscores the complex interplay between Sn content, microstructural evolution, and the resulting mechanical and tribological performance of Mg-Sn alloys.
1. Introduction
Advanced metals, alloys, and composites remain foundational in engineering, offering advantages such as weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance. Among metallic elements, Mg stands out as one of the most challenging due to its intricate interplay of mechanical, chemical, and physical properties [1]. The flow characteristics of Mg alloys are particularly complex, primarily due to the low stacking fault energies associated with their hexagonal close-packed (HCP) crystal structure, which limits their ductility and makes deformation through stretching challenging.
Efforts to develop magnesium alloys with enhanced strength, cost-effectiveness, and improved creep and corrosion resistance are expanding, unlocking opportunities in applications requiring lightweight materials. Alloying elements such as aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and rare earth elements play a pivotal role in enhancing the ductility, mechanical strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of pure magnesium. Manufacturing processes for Mg and its alloys include die casting, sand casting, mould casting, investment casting, extrusion, forging, and rolling, particularly for structural applications.
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John Iruthaya Raj Manuvel, Senthil Murugan Subramanian, Raja Venkatesan, Jebapriya Mani (2025). Influence of Tin addition on microstructure, mechanical, and tribological properties of magnesium matrix. China Foundry. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41230-025-4276-x
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effect of tin addition on the microstructure of magnesium alloys?
Tin addition in magnesium alloys leads to the formation of Mg2Sn precipitates at concentrations of 5% or higher, and reduces the volume fraction of the eutectic phase. Higher Sn content also minimizes casting porosity, resulting in a denser and more refined microstructure.
How does tin content affect the mechanical properties of Mg-Sn alloys?
Increasing tin content up to 7.5 wt.% enhances tensile strength due to grain refinement and well-defined grain boundaries. However, a slight reduction in microhardness is observed at higher Sn levels, indicating a trade-off between strength and hardness.
What are the tribological benefits of adding tin to magnesium?
The addition of tin improves wear resistance and reduces friction, as evidenced by tribological evaluation. This suggests better surface performance and durability, making Mg-Sn alloys suitable for applications requiring low wear.
What method was used to synthesize the Mg-Sn alloys in this study?
The Mg-Sn alloys were synthesized using the stir casting technique with tin concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% by weight. Specimens were prepared according to ASTM standards for evaluation.
What is the significance of the Mg-7.5wt.% Sn alloy in this research?
The Mg-7.5wt.% Sn alloy exhibited significantly enhanced tensile properties and wear resistance compared to lower Sn additions, attributed to grain refinement and the presence of Mg2Sn precipitates. This alloy demonstrates the optimal balance of mechanical and tribological performance among the studied compositions.
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