Synchrotron micro tomography reveals 3D shape of precipitates in cast magnesium alloy

Aim of the study is to compare the morphology of inclusions in magnesium alloy, investigated by both computed micro-tomography and light microscopy. Precipitates of denser material are found. The information of the light microscopic studies alone is by far insufficient to conclude on their three-dimensional shape. In contrast, the tomography reveals the full topology in all dimensions. The described inclusions are flake-like and can extend with high aspect ration into one, two or three dimensions.