The Effect of Germanium Additions on the Mechanical Properties of Zn-Mg-Al Alloys

In this investigation, 0.19–1.8 wt.% of Ge was introduced into a ternary Zn-Mg-Al alloy. The introduction of Ge had a significant impact on the microstructure, leading to the formation of Mg2Ge. The area fraction of the eutectic phase diminished with increasing Ge additions. Small-scale test techniques were utilised to evaluate the mechanical properties due to the changes in microstructure. Zn-Mg-Al alloys were found to be inherently harder compared to standard hot-dip Zn-containing 0.2 wt.% Al. The hardness and strength of the Zn-Mg-Al alloys decreased with the increase in Ge additions.