Processing of Porous Mg-Zn-Ca Alloy via Powder Metallurgy

摘要

Mg-Zn-Ca alloy is one of magnesium alloys that has been investigated for its potential in metal foam implant application. In this study, porous Mg-Zn-Ca alloy was prepared by powder metallurgy method, comprising of green compact fabrication and its sintering process. Calcium hydride (CaH_2) was added as a foaming agent. The composition of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy was varied (1-30%wt CaH_2, and 1 variation with 9%wt Ca addition; while Zn constant) to study the effect of foaming agent and calcium addition on phase formation and structural properties of Porous Mg alloy. Sintering process was done in a tube furnace under argon atmosphere in 520°C for 2 hours. The as-sintered alloys were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and also X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Microstructure characterization showed different CaH_2 content in the alloy would give different type of pores. There was a tendency of increasing pore size and rough grain along with higher content of CaH_2. Further, XRD analysis indicated that sintering process formed a Mg, MgO, CaO, and also intermetallic phases of Mg2Ca and also Ca2Mg6Zn_3 phase.