Combined Effect of Mg and Ca on Oxidation Behaviors of Zn–Mg Based Alloys Containing a Trace of Ca at High Temperature

Abstract

In this study, the combined effect of Mg and Ca on the high temperature oxidation behaviors of Zn–Mg based alloys containing trace Ca was investigated. Phase diagrams for the oxygen partial pressure versus contents of constituent elements were conducted on the basis of thermodynamic calculations to predict oxide scale behavior. Observation of Zn-1/3/5 mass%Mg alloys showed the distribution of a Zn–Zn11Mg2 eutectic phase after primary formation. As-cast microstructures of the Ca-containing alloys included the formation of a Ca-based intermetallic phase. The change in oxidation resistance with variation of the Mg and Ca contents was experimentally examined via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The addition of trace Ca led to the formation of Zn13Ca and a CaO/MgO mixed oxide layer on the surface at 460 °C. After TGA at 460 °C under air atmosphere for 1 h, the Ca-free alloys showed rapid weight gain by oxidation, whereas the oxidation resistance of the Ca-added alloys was substantially increased.