Ultrasound-assisted casting of AZ91D-1.5% – Shifting T4 paradigm for downstream processing

The effect of the as-cast microstructure on solution treatment of AZ91D-1.5Ê was investigated. Ultrasound treatment was applied during the casted alloy’s cooling, promoting the refinement of α-Mg and β-Mg17Al12 phases. Fine and divorced β-phase was found in the ultrasound-treated sample, resulting in a superior dissolution rate of this intermetallic during subsequent solution treatment. The results indicate that tailoring the as-cast microstructure may be a route for optimizing the solution treatment necessary for downstream plastic defor- mation processes. The solution treatment’s duration and temperature may be decreased, making the process economically and ecologically sustainable.