The results of some mechanical properties of four Mg-5Al-xRE-0.4Mn (x = 1 – 5) alloys are presented. The microstructure of

experimental alloys consisted of an α-Mg phase and an α+γ semi-divorced eutectic, Al11RE3 phase and an Al10RE2Mn7 intermetallic

compound. For gravity casting in metal mould alloys, Brinell hardness, impact strength, tensile and compression properties at ambient

temperature were determined. The performed mechanical tests allowed the author to determine the proportional influence of the mass

fraction of rare earth elements in the alloys on their tensile strength, yield strength, compression strength and Brinell hardness. The

impact strength of the alloys slightly decreases with a rise in the rare earth elements mass fraction.

Experimental Mg-Al-RE type magnesium alloys for high-pressure die-casting are presented. Alloys based on the commercial AM50

magnesium alloy with 1, 3 and 5 mass % of rare earth elements were fabricated in a foundry and cast in cold chamber die-casting

machines. The obtained experimental casts have good quality surfaces and microstructure consisting of an α(Mg)-phase, Al11RE3,

Al10RE2Mn7 intermetallic compound and small amount of α+γ eutectic and Al2RE phases.

Magnesium alloy with 5 wt% Al, 0.35 wt% Mn and 5 wt% rare earth elements (RE) was prepared and gravity cast into a sand mould.

Microstructure investigations were conducted. Analyses of the Mg-Al-RE alloy microstructure were carried out by light microscopy,

scanning electron microscopy and the XRD technique. In the as-cast condition, the alloy was composed of α-Mg, Al11RE3 and

Al10RE2Mn7 intermetallic phases. Additionally, due to non-equilibrium solidification conditions, an Al2RE intermetallic phase was

revealed.

Cast magnesium matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide particles were investigated by using Raman microscopy. 3C, 4H and 6H polytypes of SiC particles were identified in the investigated composites. Additionally, Mg2Si compound was detected by Raman microscopy in the composites microstructure.

The gas-tungsten arc (GTA) welding behaviors of a magnesium matrix composite reinforced with SiC particles were examined in terms of

microstructure characteristics and process efficiencies. This study focused on the effects of the GTAW process parameters (like welding

current in the range of 100/200 A) on the size of the fusion zone (FZ). The analyses revealed the strong influence of the GTA welding

process on the width and depth of the fusion zone and also on the refinement of the microstructure in the fusion zone. Additionally, the

results of dendrite arm size (DAS) measurements were presented.

AM50/Mg2Si composites containing 5.7 wt. % and 9.9 wt. %. of Mg2Si reinforcing phase were prepared successfully by casting method. The microstructure of the cast AM50/Mg2Si magnesium matrix composites was investigated by light microscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The microstructure of these composites was characterized by the presence of α-phase (a solid solution of aluminium in magnesium), Mg17Al12 (γ-phase), Al8Mn5 and Mg2Si. It was demonstrated that the Mg2Si phase was formed mainly as primary dendrites and eutectic.