Preparation of Mg-33Al alloy by rapid solidification process and evaluation of its hydrogen-storage properties

Abstract

A Mg-33Al sample with a eutectic composition, which can be prepared at a relatively low temperature, was prepared by the rapid solidification process. After the Mg-33Al mixture was completely melted by high frequency induction heating at 983 K, the melt was injected through a nozzle with a diameter of 2.5 mm onto the surface of a copper wheel rotating at a linear velocity of 35 m/s. The heat-treatment, and then planetary ball milling under Ar were performed for the sample preparation, and its hydrogen-storage properties were evaluated. The Mg-33Al samples after rapid solidification process, or after RSP and heat treatment contained Mg and Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phases. XRD pattern of Mg-33Al dehydrided after 4 hydriding-dehydriding cycles revealed Mg₁₇Al₁₂ and Mg phases. The activation of the sample was completed after three hydriding-dehydriding cycles. The activated sample desorbed 1.25 wt% H for 25 min, 2.83 wt% H for 50 min, 2.95 wt% H for 75 min, 3.01 wt% H for 100 min, and 3.17 wt% H for 300 min at 623 K.