In situ formation of aluminide intermetallic particles in a magnesium alloy

Adding nickel to a magnesium alloy (AM60B) during melting produced two types of intermetallic particles in the alloy: manganese nickel aluminide (Al60Mn11Ni4) and nickel aluminide (Al0.42Ni0.58). The addition of 0.5 wt.% of Ni by wire dissolution resulted in the formation of Al60Mn11Ni4 particles that were normally fine and uniformly distributed in the cast ingot, promoting grain refinement and significant improvement of tensile properties. Al0.42Ni0.58 particles were formed when nickel was added in powder form, and the particles were prone to coarsening and segregation during the melting process.