Investigations on Creep Behavior of Extruded Mg–Ca–Al Alloys

In modern vehicle concepts, lightweight materials that can withstand elevated temperatures are of great importance, e.g., for battery trays and motor housings. Despite their low density, high specific strength, and good thermal conductivity, magnesium alloys are of limited use because they often exhibit unsatisfactory creep behavior at temperatures above 100 °C. Wrought products are particularly affected, as they exhibit pronounced recrystallisation and grain growth in such environments. To mitigate this behavior, Ca can be used to improve the creep resistance of Mg–Al alloys. Here we have used short-term creep experiments to evaluate the performance of multiple extruded Mg–Ca–Al alloys at 150 °C. Our mechanical investigations and microstructural analysis show that the Ca-containing alloys have superior properties at elevated temperatures compared to AZ31.