Development of high-strength,low-cost wrought Mg–2.5 mass% Zn alloy through micro-alloying with Ca and La

A high-strength low-cost Mg–2.5Zn–0.3Ca–0.4La (mass%) alloy was fabricated by hot extrusion following direct-chill casting. Yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation to failure of the alloy are 325 MPa, 341 MPa and 15%, respectively. The high strength of the extruded Mg–2.5Zn–0.3Ca–0.4La alloy is mainly due to grain refinement, dense precipitation and high density of dislocations. The extruded alloy exhibits a bimodal microstructure containing fine dynamic recrystallized (DRXed) grains and deformed regions. High density of dislocations is stored in the deformed regions while dense precipitates are homogeneously distributed in both the DRXed grains and the deformed regions. However, precipitates in the DRXed regions show in spherical shape only, while they are in rod-like shape and spherical shape in the deformed regions.     

Influence of size and distribution of W phase on strength and ductility of high strength Mg-5.1Zn-3.2Y-0.4Zr-0.4Ca alloy processed by indirect extrusion

A high strength Mg-5.1Zn-3.2Y-0.4Zr-0.4Ca(wt%) alloy containing W phase(Mg_3Y_2Zn_3) prepared by permanent mold direct-chill casting is indirectly extruded at 350?C and 400?C, respectively. The extruded alloys show bimodal grain structure consisting of fine dynamic recrystallized(DRXed) grains and unrecrystallized coarse regions containing fine W phase and β2' precipitates. The fragmented W phase particles induced by extrusion stimulate nucleation of DRXed grains, leading to the formation of fine DRXed grains, which are mainly distributed near the W particle bands along the extrusion direction. The alloy extruded at 350?C exhibits yield strength of 373 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 403 MPa and elongation to failure of 5.1%. While the alloy extruded at 400?C shows lower yield strength of 332 MPa,ultimate tensile strength of 352 MPa and higher elongation to failure of 12%. The mechanical properties of the as-extruded alloys vary with the distribution and size of W phase. A higher fraction of DRXed grains is obtained due to the homogeneous distribution of micron-scale broken W phase particles in the alloy extruded at 400?C, which can lead to higher ductility. In addition, the nano-scale dynamic W phase precipitates distributed in the un DRXed regions are refined at lower extrusion temperature. The smaller size of nano-scale W phase precipitates leads to a higher fraction of un DRXed regions which contributes to higher strength of the alloy extruded at 350?C.     

挤压温度对AZT802镁合金组织和性能的影响

将铸态AZT802合金分别在350℃、380℃和400℃下挤压,随后进行T5时效处理,研究不同挤压温度对AZT802镁合金挤压态和时效态组织和性能的影响。结果表明,当挤压温度为350℃时,晶粒尺寸分布不均匀,同时观察到大块的条状第二相沿挤压方向析出。当挤压温度高于350℃时,挤压态合金获得均匀等轴晶粒,第二相以颗粒状形貌沿晶界均匀分布。经T5时效处理后,颗粒状Mg_2Sn相均匀分布于基体中,Mg_(17)Al_(12)相以连续相和非连续相析出,非连续析出相随时效前挤压温度的升高而逐渐增多。力学性能测试结果表明,AZT802合金在380℃下挤压,并进行175℃(3h)T5时效处理后,获得最佳综合力学性能。     

A high-performance Mg-4.9Gd-3.2Y-1.1Zn-0.5Zr alloy via multidirectional forging after analyzing its compression behavior

A high-performance Mg-4.9Gd-3.2Y-1.1Zn-0.5 Zr alloy has been fabricated by multidirectional forging(MDF)after analyzing its compression behavior.The as-homogenized alloy exhibits a high activation energy Q of deformation(～285 kJ/mol).The size of DRXed grains after compression tends to decrease as the Z-H parameter(Z)increases,showing a grain size exponent m of～4.0.Lamellar LPSO phases,kinking deformation,and bimodal microstructure are detected at the relatively low compression temperature of 350 and 400℃,while sufficient DRX can be achieved at 500℃,accompanied by the dissolution of lamellar LPSO.According to the processing maps,MDF was successfully conducted under an appropriate condition.After peak-aged at 200℃for 78 h,the MDFed billet exhibits a tensile yield strength(TYS)of 331 and 305 MPa at room temperature and 200 C,respectively.The high strength mainly results from the combination of fine grains,low Schmid factor for basal slip,sufficient β'ageing precipitates,and direc-tionally arranged interdendritic LPSO phases,etc.This paper provides a feasible way for the fabrication of high-performance,low-RE-content,and large-scale Mg components for industrial production.     

The microstructure and mechanical properties of low-temperature and low-speed extruded Mg–3Sn–2Al–1Zn alloy

ABSTRACT

The microstructure and mechanical properties of the Mg–3Sn–2Al–1Zn (TAZ321) alloy extruded at 180–250°C and at a ram speed of 0.08?mm/s were investigated by optical microscope, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, tensile testing and microhardness tester. The results indicate that the as-extruded alloy shows ultrafine dynamic recrystallisation grains, nanoscale Mg₂Sn precipitates of 50–80?nm, strong texture and excellent mechanical properties, the degree of which mainly depends on the extrusion temperature. The tensile yield strength and elongation vary from 413?MPa and 6.7% of TAZ321 extruded at 180°C to 312?MPa and 14.1% of TAZ321 extruded at 250°C, which can be regulated flexibly.     

Microstructure and texture evolution in Mg–1 %Mn–Sr alloys during extrusion

Microstructure and texture evolution in Mg–1 %Mn–Sr alloys during extrusion has been investigated. At 350 °C, the extrusion of Mg–1 %Mn (M1) alloy exhibits the progressive formation of basal texture from the undeformed zone to the die opening. The extruded microstructure of M1 consists of recrystallized grains nucleated by grain boundary bulging and elongated parent grains along with extensive twinning. At 350 °C, the extrusion of M1–1.6Sr alloy results in progressive elongation of Mg–Sr precipitates in the form of stringers from the undeformed zone to the die opening. The final extruded microstructure of this alloy shows extensive recrystallization occurring at the intermetallic stringers by particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN). M1–(0.3–1.6)%Sr alloys display weaker textures due to PSN which creates new grains with random orientations. At 250 °C, the extrusion of M1 creates necklace of small recrystallized grains around large elongated parent grains. M1–1.6Sr alloy extruded at 250 °C exhibits continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) in the Mg matrix and PSN at Mg–Sr precipitates. PSN is less extensive at lower temperature. Both CDRX and PSN grains have random orientations, and therefore, alloy develops random texture.     

Mg-Al-Ca-Mn-Zn变形镁合金的组织和力学性能

将Mg-1Al-0.4Ca-0.5Mn-0.2Zn(质量分数,%)合金在不同温度挤压,研究其微观组织和力学性能。结果表明：在260℃和290℃挤压的合金均发生不完全动态再结晶,再结晶晶粒尺寸分别为0.75 μm和1.2 μm。二者均具有高密度的G.P.区和球状纳米析出相,能抑制位错运动并为动态再结晶提供丰富的形核位点。沿晶界析出的纳米相能抑制晶界的运动和限制再结晶晶粒的生长,从而生成尺寸为0.75 μm的超细晶粒。随着挤压温度从260℃提高到290℃,合金的屈服强度从322 MPa提高到343 MPa,伸长率分别为13.4%和13%,没有明显的变化。挤压温度的提高促进了动态析出和动态回复,使合金中积累了高密度纳米盘状相和球状相,大量位错通过动态回复转变成小角度晶界,将未再结晶区域细分成密集的层状亚晶粒,二者均能抑制新位错的运动。这些因素,是在290℃挤压后的合金仍具有较高屈服强度和塑性没有明显变化的主要原因。纳米相对位错的钉扎在一定程度上限制了动态回复的发生,使合金中仍存在较高数量的残余位错,也有利于提高其屈服强度。     

Effects of Sn on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-rolled Mg–5Zn–1Mn alloy

Effects of Sn on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–5Zn–1Mn alloy subjected to high strain rate rolling (9.1?s^-1), 300°C and 80% pass reduction are investigated. With higher Sn content, the dynamic recrystallisation (DRX) grain size gradually decreases due to the stronger pinning of nano-scale precipitates at grain boundaries and the DRX fraction first increases due to the enhanced effect on DRX by decreasing stacking fault energy and then decreases due to more precipitates at grain boundaries. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation to rupture (Er) of as-rolled alloys increase and then decrease. Alloy with 0.9 mass% Sn exhibits the highest DRX fraction (95?vol.-%), the finer DRX grain size (1.22?µm), UTS of 358?MPa and Er of 20.4%.     

Dynamic recrystallization behavior and microstructural evolution of Mg alloy AZ31 through high-speed rolling

High-speed rolling (HSR) is known to improve the workability of Mg alloys significantly, which makes it possible to impose a large reduction in a single pass without fracture. In the present study, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior and microstructural and textural variations of Mg alloy AZ31 during a HSR process were investigated by conducting rolling with different imposed reductions in the range of 20%–80% at a high rolling speed of 470 m/min and 400 °C. High-strain-rate deformation during HSR suppresses dislocation slips but promotes twinning, which results in the formation of numerous twins of several types, i.e., {10–12} extension twins, {10–11} and {10–13} contraction twins, and {10–11}–{10–12} double twins. After twinning, high strain energy is accumulated in twin bands because their crystallographic orientations are favorable for basal slips, leading to subsequent DRX at the twin bands. Accordingly, twinning activation and twinning-induced DRX behavior play crucial roles in accommodating plastic deformation during HSR and in varying microstructure and texture of the high-speed-rolled (HSRed) sheets. Area fraction of fine DRXed grains formed at the twin bands increases with increasing rolling reduction, which is attributed to the combined effects of increased strain, strain rate, and deformation temperature and a decreased critical strain for DRX. Size, internal strain, and texture intensity of the DRXed grains are smaller than those of unDRXed grains. Therefore, as rolling reduction increases, average grain size, stored internal energy, microstructural inhomogeneity, and basal texture intensity of the HSRed sheets gradually decrease owing to an increase in the area fraction of the DRXed grains.     

Development of extruded Mg-6Er-3Y-1.5Zn-0.4Mn (wt.%) alloy with high strength at elevated temperature

A new Mg-6Er-3Y-1.5Zn-0.4 Mn (wt.%) alloy with high strength at high temperature was designed and extruded at 350 °C. The as-extruded alloy exhibits ultimate tensile strength of 301 MPa, yield strength (along ED) of 274 MPa and thermal conductivity of 73 W/m⋅K at 300 °C. Such outstanding high-temperature strength is mainly attributed to the formation of nano-spaced solute-segregated basal plane stacking faults (SFs) with a large aspect ratio throughout the entire Mg matrix, fine dynamically recrystallized (DRXed) grains of 1–2 μm and strongly textured un-DRXed grains with numerous sub-structures. Microstructural examination unveils that long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases are formed in Mg matrix of the as-cast alloy when rational design of alloy composition was employed, i.e. (Er + Y): Zn = 3: 1 and Er: Y = 1: 1 (at.%). It is worth mentioning that it is the first report regarding the formation of nano-spaced basal plane SFs throughout both DRXed and un-DRXed grains in as-extruded alloy with well-designed compositions and processing parameters. The results provide new opportunities to the development of deformed Mg alloys with satisfactory mechanical performance for high-temperature services.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of an indirect-extruded Mg-8Sn-1Al-1Zn alloy

The microstructure and mechanical properties of an indirect-extruded Mg-8Sn-1Al-1Zn (TAZ811) alloy were investigated and compared with those of a commercial Mg-3Al-1Zn (AZ31) alloy. In the extruded condition, the TAZ811 alloy shows a much smaller grain size but a stronger basal texture than the AZ31 alloy. In addition, the TAZ811 alloy contains fine Mg₂Sn particles in the microstructure, whereas the AZ31 alloy reveals relatively coarse and sparse Al-Mn particles. The TAZ811 alloy showed tensile and compressive strengthening as well as a reduction in yield asymmetry between tension and compression, which is mainly due to grain refinement and the presence of fine Mg₂Sn particles.     

Effect of I-phase morphology and microstructure transformation in biomedical Mg-3Zn-1Mn-1Y alloys on vitro degradation behavior in dynamic simulated body fluid

The corrosion mechanism of as-cast, heat-treated (H400) and extruded (E30, E60, E90) Mg-3Zn-1Mn-1Y alloys with different microstructure is investigated by scan electron microscope (SEM), scan Kelvin probe force microscope (SKPFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical impedance analysis and immersion experiments equipped with a dynamic corrosion device. The relevant results are as follows: continuously strip-like I-phase (Mg₃Zn₆Y) in as-cast alloy distributed along the grain boundary played a significant obstacle impact during corrosion, whereas this capability is weakened after heat treatment and large plastic extrusion deformation. However, extrusion deformation significantly improved alloy corrosion performance, the extruded E30 alloy performed superior anti-corrosion behavior among the three extruded alloys owing to the smaller potential difference between I-phase (2.59 V) and DRXed (2.51 V) or un-DRXed (2.54 V) grains. In addition, the corrosion obstacle effect of grains boundaries (the grain boundary has higher potential than the Mg substrate), dense corrosion products film protection (isolate the substrate from contact with SBF) and typical basal texture (lower reactivity of base atoms) have great influence on corrosion behavior.

     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–6Sn and Mg–6Zn alloys prepared by different processing techniques: a comparative study

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–6Sn and Mg–6Zn are investigated and compared in cast/heat treated, rolled and extruded conditions. Compared to the heat treated alloys, the grain size of both alloys decreases while the volume fraction of precipitates increases by rolling and extrusion in Mg–6Sn alloy at 350 ºC due to dynamic recrystallization and dynamic precipitation of intermetallic phases. Zinc has a stronger grain refining effect than tin in the heat treated alloys while the opposite effect is found in the rolled and extruded alloys. For the heat treated alloys the Mg–6Sn the strength reached 158.7 MPa with elongation 5.2% while Mg–6Zn exhibited a higher strength of 183.7 MPa and 8.4% elongation. In rolled condition the strength of Mg–6Sn reached 224 MPa with 1.6% elongation while Mg–6Zn exhibited a lower strength of 124 MPa and a lower ductility of 0.5% elongation due to susceptibility to hot shortness. Extrusion of Mg–6Sn alloy resulted in the maximum attained strength of 281 MPa and an elongation of 6.1% while Mg–6Zn cracked during extrusion due to hot shortness. The results obtained are discussed with respect to microstructure evolution in both alloys.     

Superplasticity Enhanced by Two-stage Deformation in a Hot-extruded AZ61 Magnesium Alloy

A two-stage strain rate deformation method is proposed to enhance the superplasticity in a hot extruded AZ61 alloy. In the stage-one of deformation, a relatively high strain rate was applied in order to obtain fine grains through dynamic recrystallization. The optimum strain rate for DRX at 300℃ was identified as -5×10-3s-1. Stage-two is conducted at relatively low strain rate in order to utilize the fine grains refined by DRX during stage-one to make the grain boundary sliding operate more smoothly, which resulting in enhanced superplastic elongation from 350% to 440%.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of as aged Mg–3Sn–1Al and Mg–3Sn–2Zn–1Al alloy

Effect of Zn on the microstructure, age hardening response and mechanical properties of Mg–3Sn–1Al alloy which is immediately aged at 180°C after extrusion process (T5) was investigated. It was found that the Zn can refine the microstructure, remarkably improve the aging response with the peak hardness increases to 75 HV and the time to peak hardness reduces from ～110 to ～60 h, which is attributed to the solid solution hardening of Al, Zn and an amount of finer Mg₂Sn precipitates. The as aged Mg–3Sn–2Zn–1Al alloy exhibits better mechanical property at room temperature or 150°C than that of Mg–3Sn–1Al alloy, which is ascribed to the fine grained microstructure and thermally stable Mg₂Sn particles dispersed at grain boundaries and in the matrix.     

Microstructure and Properties of As-Cast Mg–2.0Sn–1.0Zn–1.0Y–0.3Zr Alloys at Different Extrusion Ratios

Herein, the effect of hot extrusion with different extrusion ratios (λ = 6, 8, 10, and 12) on the microstructure evolution and properties of as-cast Mg–2.0Sn–1.0Zn–1.0Y–0.3Zr magnesium alloys, using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), immersion corrosion and electrochemical corrosion experiment, and tensile testing, is investigated. The results show that the Mg₁₄SnY and Mg₆SnY precipitated phases exist in the alloy before and after extrusion. After hot extrusion, the second phase of the alloy is broken into particles along the extrusion direction, whereas the grain size is significantly reduced, and dynamic recrystallization and deformed grains exist in the microstructure. The mechanical properties of the extruded alloy improve, but the corrosion resistance weakens. When the extrusion ratio is λ = 10, the extruded alloy exhibits relatively good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The corrosion behaviors of the extruded alloys are affected by both the grain size and galvanic corrosion. In the initial stage of corrosion, intergranular corrosion plays a major role in reducing the corrosion resistance of the extruded alloys. With prolonged corrosion time, galvanic corrosion has a more significant effect on weakening the corrosion resistance of the extruded alloys.     

Microstructures and mechanical responses of powder metallurgy non-combustive magnesium extruded alloy by rapid solidification process in mass production

Spinning Water Atomization Process (SWAP), which was one of the rapid solidification processes, promised to produce coarse non-combustible magnesium alloy powder with 1–4 mm length, having fine α-Mg grains and Al₂Ca intermetallic compounds. It had economical and safe benefits in producing coarse Mg alloy powders with very fine microstructures in the mass production process due to its extreme high solidification rate compared to the conventional atomization process. AMX602 (Mg–6%Al–0.5%Mn–2%Ca) powders were compacted at room temperature. Their green compacts with a relative density of about 85% were heated at 573–673 K for 300 s in Ar gas atmosphere, and immediately consolidated by hot extrusion. Microstructure observation and evaluation of mechanical properties of the extruded AMX602 alloys were carried out. The uniform and fine microstructures with grains less than 0.45–0.8 μm via dynamic recrystallization during hot extrusion were observed, and were much small compared to the extruded AMX602 alloy fabricated by using cast ingot. The extremely fine intermetallic compounds 200–500 nm diameter were uniformly distributed in the matrix of powder metallurgy (P/M) extruded alloys. These microstructures caused excellent mechanical properties of the wrought alloys. For example, in the case of AMX602 alloys extruded at 573 K, the tensile strength (TS) of 447 MPa, yield stress (YS) of 425 MPa and 9.6% elongation were obtained.     

大塑性变形的AM60镁合金半固态等温处理研究

为了制备晶粒细小且球化程度高的的AM60镁合金半固态坯料,对铸态和等径道角挤压态的AM60镁合金半固态等温处理过程进行了研究.借助金相显微镜对AM60镁合金铸坯和等径道角挤压后的铸坯在半固态等温处理中的微观组织演变进行了观察.研究结果表明:对于AM60镁合金,直接等温处理获得的半固坯晶粒很粗大,其平均晶粒尺寸都在100μm以上,晶粒球化效果不理想,很难获得合格的半固态坯;新SIMA法是一种非常理想制备AM60镁合金半固态坯的方法,利用该方法制备的AM60半固态坯的微观组织晶粒十分细小,平均晶粒尺寸在8～22μm,晶粒球化程度高;随着保温时间的延长,新SIMA法制备的AM60半固态坯的微观组织出现长大现象;随着等温处理温度的升高,固相晶粒的平均尺寸先增加后减小,晶粒球化程度越来越高.     

Exfoliation corrosion of extruded Mg-Li-Ca alloy

Exfoliation on as-extruded Mg-1 Li-1 Ca magnesium alloy was investigated after an immersion in 3.5 wt%NaCl aqueous solution for 90, 120 and 150 days through optical microscope, digital camera, scanning electron microscope, electrochemical workstation, scanning Kalvin probe, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscope. The results demonstrated that exfoliation corrosion occurred on extruded Mg-1 Li-1 Ca alloy due to elongated microstructure parallel to surface, and delamination of lamellar structure resulted from galvanic effect and wedge effect. Skin layer with fine grains exhibited better corrosion resistance, whereas the interior with coarse grains and the intermetallic compound,Mg_2 Ca particles existing in a fibrous structure, dispersed along grain boundaries and extrusion direction in a line. Furthermore, galvanic effect between Mg_2 Ca particles and their neighboring a-Mg matrix facilitated dissolution of Mg_2 Ca particles and a-Mg matrix; wedge effect was caused by formation of corrosion products. Exfoliation corrosion of extruded Mg-Li-Ca alloys might be a synergic effect of pitting corrosion,filiform corrosion, intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion. Finally, exfoliation corrosion mechanism was proposed.