Abstract
In this study, the effects of Nd, La, and Ca elements added to ZM21 alloy was investigated in terms of parameters such as microscopic, mechanical, and corrosion properties. The content of each of the elemental constituents was 0.5% by weight. The microstructural and mechanical behaviours of the investigated alloys were examined by XRD, EDX, SEM, OM, hardness surveys, tensile tests, and corrosion experiments. According to the XRD results, Ca5Zn3, Ca2Mg6Zn3, LaZn2, LaMg3, Mg41Nd5, and Mg12Nd phases emerged on the investigated alloys. The grain sizes of the alloys were refined by element addition and rolling process, thus increasing their mechanical properties. Ca increased the hardness of the ZM21 alloys, but this had a negative effect on the rolled specimens. The tensile value of ZM21 alloy as cast decreased by 39.702%, 48.080%, 45.678% with the addition of (0.5% La+0.5% Nd), (0.5% La+0.5% Ca), (0.5% La+0.5% Nd+0.5% Ca), respectively. The tensile value of ZM21 alloy with (0.5% La+0.5% Nd) addition increased by 58.302% as rolled. Tensile test could not be performed because the rolled alloys with 0.5% Ca addition were fragmented during rolling. Ca contributed positively to the corrosion behaviour of the casting ZM21 alloy, but it worsened it in the rolled alloys. White oxide areas on the surface of the rolled alloys indicated an increased degree of corrosion formation.