INTERMETALLICS DISTRIBUTION IN TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS IN HIGH PRESSURE DIE CAST AZ91 ALLOY

Abstract

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and DUalBeam FIB (Focussed Ion Beam) were used to characterize the intermetallic microstructure in 2D and 3D, respectively. The intermetallic appears as a closely interconnected network with very fine scale near the surface, while it takes a more open structure in the core regions of the casting. The possible effects of this difference in the scale of the intermetallic structure on the mechanical behaviour of the material are discussed