The effect of double extrusion on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Ca alloy

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. A, Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing, 2013-10, Vol.583, p.69-77
• Main Authors: Du, Y.Z., Zheng, M.Y., Qiao, X.G., Wu, K., Liu, X.D., Wang, G.J., Lv, X.Y., Li, M.J., Liu, X.L., Wang, Z.J., Liu, Y.T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Double extrusion; Elasticity, elastic constants; Exact sciences and technology; Grain refinement; Mechanical and acoustical properties of condensed matter; Mechanical properties; Mechanical properties and methods of testing. Rheology. Fracture mechanics. Tribology; Mechanical properties of solids; Metals. Metallurgy; Mg–Zn–Ca alloy; Physics
• ISSN: 0921-5093; 1873-4936
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2013.06.054

The Mg–4.50Zn–1.13Ca (wt%) alloy was subjected to double extrusion, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the extruded alloys were investigated. Double extrusion refined the microstructure significantly, resulting in the enhancement of mechanical properties of the double-extruded alloys compared with the single-extruded alloy. The yield strength of the single-extruded alloy was 173MPa, while the value was increased to 320MPa and 370MPa after subsequent second extrusion at 300°C and 250°C, respectively. The second extrusion ratio had little effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the double-extruded alloys, while grain size was decreased and strength was increased with the decrease of double extrusion temperature. The double-extruded Mg–Zn–Ca alloy exhibited superior elevated temperature mechanical properties, which was attributed to the fine stable Ca2Mg6Zn3 intermetallic compound particles dispersed in the alloy.