The effect of solute elements on the grain refinement of cast Zn

The effect of both peritectic-forming elements (Cu and Ag) and eutectic-forming elements (Mg and Al) on the grain refinement of cast pure Zn was investigated. It is found that these four alloying elements lead to effective grain refinement of cast pure Zn, although they have different values of growth restriction factor (Q). Mg and Al seem to have better grain refining efficiency for cast pure Zn than Cu and Ag. These results raise questions regarding the mechanisms of grain refinement in Zn-based alloys, therefore further studies are required