Fine-grained Mg–1Mn–0.5Al–0.5Ca–0.5Zn alloy with high strength and good ductility fabricated by conventional extrusion

Mg–1Mn–0.5Al–0.5Ca–0.5Zn (wt.%) alloy was fabricated by conventional extrusion at 673 K with an extrusion ratio of 25:1, followed by aging at 473 K. The microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electron back-scattered diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were determined by the tensile test. The peak-aged sample shows fine recrystallized grains with an average grain size of 1.7 μm. Area fraction of Al–Ca particles in the alloy increases significantly after peak aging. Meanwhile, both 〈a〉 and 〈c+a〉 dislocations were observed to remain in the alloy after hot extrusion. Thus, the peak-aged sample exhibits simultaneously high strength and good ductility with the ultimate tensile stress, tensile yield stress, and tension fracture elongation of 320 MPa, 314 MPa, and 19.0%, respectively.     

Microstructural control and hardening response of Mg–6Zn–0.5Er–0.5Ca alloy

The effects of heat treatment on microstructures and hardening response of Mg–6Zn–0.5Er–0.5Ca(wt%) alloy were investigated by optical microscope(OM), scanning electron microscope(SEM), and transmission electron microscope(TEM) in this paper. The results show that the Mg–6Zn–0.5Er–0.5Ca alloy contains Mg_3Zn_6Er_1 quasicrystalline phase(Iphase) and Ca_2Mg_6Zn_3 phase under as-cast condition. Most of the Ca_2Mg_6Zn_3 phases and I-phases dissolve into matrix during heat treatment at 475 ℃ for 5 h. After the as-solution alloy was aged at 175 ℃ for 36 h, a large amount of MgZn_2 precipitate with several nanometers precipitate. It is suggested that the trace addition of Ca results in refining the size of the precipitate, and the presence of the nanoscale MgZn_2 phase is the main factor to improve the peak-aged hardness greatly to 87 HV, which increases about 40 % compared with that of as-cast alloy.     

Effects of extrusion and heat treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–8Zn–1Al–0.5Cu–0.5Mn alloy

The effects of extrusion and heat treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–8Zn–1Al–0.5Cu– 0.5Mn magnesium alloy were investigated. Bimodal microstructure is formed in this alloy when it is extruded at 230 and 260 °C, and complete DRX occurs at the extruding temperature of 290 °C. The basal texture of as-extruded alloys is reduced gradually with increasing extrusion temperature due to the larger volume fraction of recrystallized structure at higher temperatures. For the alloy extruded at 290 °C, four different heat treatments routes were investigated. After solution + aging treatments, the grains sizes become larger. Finer and far more densely dispersed precipitates are found in the alloy with solution + double-aging treatments compared with alloy with solution + single-aging treatment. Tensile properties are enhanced remarkably by solution + double-aging treatment with the yield strength, tensile strength and elongation being 298 MPa, 348 MPa and 18%, respectively. This is attributed to the combined effects of fine dynamically recrystallized grains and the uniformly distributed finer precipitates.     

Effect of Solution Treatment on Microstructure and Corrosion Properties of Mg–4Gd–1Y–1Zn–0.5Ca–1Zr Alloy

The as-cast multi-element Mg–4Gd–1Y–1Zn–0.5Ca–1Zr alloy with low rare earth additions was prepared, and the solution treatment was applied at different temperatures. The microstructural evolution of the alloy was characterized by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and corrosion properties of the alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution were evaluated by immersion and electrochemical tests. The results indicate that the as-cast alloy is composed of the a-Mg matrix,lamellar long-period stacking-ordered(LPSO) structure and eutectic phase. The LPSO structure exists with more volume fraction in the alloy solution-treated at 440 °C, but disappears with the increase in the solution temperature. For all the solution-treated alloys, the precipitated phases are detected. The corrosion rates of the alloys decrease first and then increase slightly with the increase in the solution temperature, and the corrosion resistance of the solution-treated alloys is more than four times as good as that of the as-cast alloy. In addition, the alloy solution-treated at 480 °C for 6 h shows the best corrosion property.     

Microstructure,Tensile Properties and Work Hardening Behavior of an Extruded Mg–Zn–Ca–Mn Magnesium Alloy

A new Mg-2.2 wt% Zn alloy containing 1.8 wt% Ca and 0.5 wt% Mn has been developed and subjected to extrusion under different extrusion parameters.The finest(～0.48 μm) recrystallized grain structures,containing both nano-sized MgZn_2 precipitates and α-Mn nanoparticles,were obtained in the alloy extruded at 270℃/0.01 mm s~(-1).In this alloy,the deformed coarse-grain region possessed a much stronger texture intensity(～32.49 mud) relative to the recrystallized fine-grain region(～13.99 mud).A positive work hardening rate in the third stage of work hardening curve was also evident in the alloy extruded at 270℃,which was related to the sharp basal texture and which provided insufficient active slip systems.The high work hardening rate in the fourth stage contributed to the high ductility extruded at 270℃/1 mm s~(-1).This alloy exhibited a weak texture,and the examination of fracture surface revealed highly dimpled surfaces.The optimum tensile strength was achieved in the alloy extruded at 270℃/0.01 mm s~(-1),and the yield strength,ultimate tensile strength and elongation to failure were～364.1 MPa,～394.5 MPa and～7.2%,respectively.Fine grain strengthening from the recrystallized fine-grain region played the greatest role in the strength increment of this alloy compared with Orowan strengthening and dislocation strengthening in the deformed coarse-grain regions.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–(Nd)–Zr alloys with different extrusion processes

The effect of Nd addition and the in?uence of extrusion processes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–6Zn–0.5Zr(ZK60) and Mg–6Zn–1.5Nd–0.5Zr(ZKNd602) alloys were investigated. Nd element can obviously re?ne the microstructure of both as-cast and asextruded Mg–Zn–Nd–Zr alloy. All of the extruded alloys exhibit a bimodal grain structure composed of equiaxed?ne recrystallized(DRXed) grains and elongated coarse un DRXed grains. It is necessary to achieve high strength,particularly the yield strength, for ZKNd602 alloy, when it is extruded with a lower extrusion temperature, a suitable extrusion ratio and a relatively lower extrusion ram speed. In this study, the ultimate tensile strength(UTS),yield strength(YS) and elongation(El) of the extruded ZKNd602 alloy were 421 MPa, 402 MPa and 6.7 %,respectively, with extrusion temperature of 290 °C, extrusion ratio of 18:1 and a ram speed of approximate0.4 mm·s~(-1). Meanwhile, the extrusion process has obvious effects on the room-temperature properties but weak effects on the high-temperature properties.     

Microstructure and phase transformation of as-cast and annealed Mg–4Zn–1Y alloy containing quasi-crystal phase

By means of optical microscope(OM), X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) analyses, the microstructures of as-cast and heat-treated Mg–4Zn–1Y(wt%) alloy containing quasi-crystal phase were studied.The microstructure of the as-cast alloy consists of a-Mg solid solution grains, intermetallic particles and eutectic phases(W-phase and I-phase), and huge grains with serious dendritic segregation are clearly observed. After heat treatment, phase transformation and dissolution occur in the alloy and many phases remain. When the alloy was treated above 410 °C, the eutectic phases transform into spherical shape as the I-phase turns to W-phase. After heat treatment for long time, the alloy is over burnt and the W-phase decomposes to Mg–Y binary phase.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of TiC nanoparticle-reinforced Mg−Zn−Ca matrix nanocomposites processed by combining multidirectional forging and extrusion

TiC nanoparticle-reinforced Mg−4Zn−0.5Ca matrix nanocomposites were processed by combining multidirectional forging (MDF) and extrusion (EX). The grain size of the nanocomposite after MDF+EX multi-step deformation was significantly decreased compared with that processed only by MDF. The average size of the recrystallized grains gradually increased after EX with increasing the number of MDF passes at 270 °C. However, the grain size significantly decreased by MDF processing at 310 °C. Both fine and coarse MgZn₂ phases appeared in the (MDF+EX)-processed nanocomposites, and their volume fractions gradually increased with increasing the number of MDF passes before EX. Ultrahigh tensile properties (yield strength of ~404 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of ~450.3 MPa and elongation of ~5.2 %) were obtained in the nanocomposite after three MDF passes at 310 °C followed by EX. This was attributed to the refinement of the recrystallized grains, together with the improved Orowan strengthening provided by the precipitated MgZn₂ particles that were generated by MDF+EX multi-step deformation.     

Enhanced mechanical properties and formability of hot-rolled Mg–Zn–Mn alloy by Ca and Sm alloying

In order to broaden the application of wrought Mg alloy sheets in the automotive industry, the influence of Ca and Sm alloying on the texture evolution, mechanical properties, and formability of a hot-rolled Mg–2Zn–0.2Mn alloy was investigated by OM, XRD, SEM, EBSD, tensile tests, and Erichsen test. The results showed that the average grain size and basal texture intensity of Mg–2Zn–0.2Mn alloys were remarkably decreased after Ca and Sm additions. 0.64 wt.% Ca or 0.48 wt.% Sm addition significantly increased the tensile strength, ductility and formability. Moreover, the synergetic addition of Sm and Ca improved the ductility and formability of Mg–2Zn–0.2Mn alloy, which was due to the change of Ca distribution and further reduction of the size of Ca-containing particles by Sm addition. The results provided a possibility of replacing RE elements with Ca and Sm in Mg alloys which bring about outstanding mechanical properties and formability.     

Effects of Zinc and Calcium Concentration on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Rolled Mg–Zn–Ca Sheets

Four kinds of Mg alloys with different Zn and Ca concentration were selected to analyze the effect of Zn and Ca concentration on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Ca alloys. It was found that Zn and Ca concentration has a great influence on the volume fraction, the morphology and the size of second phase. The Mg–1.95Zn–0.75Ca(wt%) alloy with the highest volume fraction, continuous network and largest size of Ca2Mg6Zn3 phase showed the lowest elongation to failure of about 7%, while the Mg–0.73Zn–0.12Ca(wt%) alloy with the lowest volume fraction and smallest size of Ca2Mg6Zn3 phase showed the highest elongation to failure of about 37%. It was suggested that uniform elongations of the Mg–Zn–Ca alloys were sensitive to the volume fraction of the Ca2Mg6Zn3 phases, especially the network Ca2Mg6Zn3phases; post-uniform elongations were dependent on the size of the Ca2Mg6Zn3 phase, especially the size of network Ca2Mg6Zn3 phase. Reduction in Zn and Ca concentration was an effective way to improve the roomtemperature ductility of weak textured Mg–Zn–Ca alloys.     

Microstructure,anticorrosion, biocompatibility and antibacterial activities of extruded Mg−Zn−Mn strengthened with Ca

To find suitable biodegradable materials for implant applications, Mg?6Zn?0.3Mn?xCa (x=0, 0.2 and 0.5, wt.%) alloys were prepared by semi-continuous casting followed by hot-extrusion technique. The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg?6Zn?0.3Mn?xCa alloys were investigated using the optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and tensile testing. Results indicated that minor Ca addition can slightly refine grains of the extruded Mg?6Zn?0.3Mn alloy and improve its strength. When 0.2 wt.% and 0.5 wt.% Ca were added, the grain sizes of the as-extruded alloys were refined from 4.8 to 4.6 and 4.2 μm, respectively. Of the three alloys studied, the alloy with 0.5 wt.% Ca exhibits better combined mechanical properties with the ultimate tensile strength and elongation of 334 MPa and 20.3%. The corrosion behaviour, cell viability and antibacterial activities of alloys studied were also evaluated. Increasing Ca content deteriorates the corrosion resistance of alloys due to the increase of amount of effective cathodic sites caused by the formation of more Ca₂Mg₆Zn₃ phases. Cytotoxicity evaluation with L929 cells shows higher cell viability of the Mg?6Zn?0.3Mn?0.5Ca alloy compared to Mg?6Zn?0.3Mn and Mg?6Zn?0.3Mn? 0.2Ca alloys. The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus is enhanced with increasing the Ca content due to its physicochemical and biological performance in bone repairing process.     

Microstructure,mechanical and biodegradable properties of a Mg–2Zn–1Gd–0.5Zr alloy with different solution treatments

Solution treatment is a useful way to improve the degradation resistance of Mg alloys.In this work,effects of solution treatment temperature on mechanical and biodegradable properties of an extruded Mg–2Zn–1Gd–0.5Zr alloy were studied.Microstructure analysis,tensile test, three-point bending test, immersion test and electrochemical test were performed.The results showed that increasing solution temperature decreases the mechanical properties of the alloy.However, three-point bending test revealed that the solution-treated alloy at 510 ℃ could maintain 95% of its maximum bending force(F_(max)) during the 28-day immersion period.After treatment at 510 ℃ for 5 h, all the second phases were dissolved into the alloy, the galvanic corrosion was inhibited, and the alloy exhibited good corrosion resistance with a corrosion rate of 0.35 mm·year~(-1) in Hank's solution.     

Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure on LPSO Kinking and Microstructure Evolution of Mg–11Gd–4Y–2Zn–0.5Zr Alloy

Two different kinds of hot compressions, namely normal-compression and can-compression, were performed on the Mg–11 Gd–4 Y–2 Zn–0.5 Zr alloy, featured with long period stacking ordered(LPSO) phase. The kinking behavior of LPSO phase and microstructure evolution was investigated to clarify the effect of levels of imposed hydrostatic pressure. The results suggest that the LPSO phases including both the intragranular 14 H-LPSO phase and intergranular 18 R-LPSO phase suffer severe kinking behavior under higher hydrostatic pressure induced by can-compression, which is firstly characterized with more kinking times and smaller relative kinking width. The main reason for such enhanced LPSO kinking during cancompression may be mainly ascribed to the higher dislocation density under a higher level of hydrostatic pressure. Meanwhile, a competitive relationship between the kink behaviors of intergranular 18 R-LPSO phase and intragranular 14 H-LPSO phase was observed. That is, the intergranular 18 R-LPSO phase only kinks obviously on the condition that the surrounded intragranular 14 H-LPSO phase scarcely kinks. In contrast to the distinctive kinking of LPSO phase, the dynamic recrystallization(DRX) mechanism shows less dependence on the hydrostatic pressure. Resultantly, similar DRX fractions and crystallographic texture were attained for two compression processes owing to the similar operation of deformation mode.     

Influence of Initial Microstructure on the Strengthening Effect of Extruded Mg–8Sn–4Zn–2Al Alloys

The Mg–8Sn–4Zn–2Al(TZA842, in wt%) alloys with different initial microstructure(as-cast-AC and homogenization treatment-HT) subjected to hot extrusion. Also, the strengthening responses to AC and HT for the extruded TZA842 alloys were reported. The results revealed that the alloy subjected to HT shows finer grain size, more homogenous microstructure and weaker basal texture than those of counterpart subjected to AC. In addition, compared with TZA842-AC alloy, precipitates were finer and uniformly dispersed in TZA842-HT owing to the utilization of HT. Moreover, the TZA842-HT alloy showed higher yield strength of 200 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 290 MPa and elongation(EL) of17.9% than those of TZA842-AC, which was mainly attributed to the combined effects of grain boundary strengthening,precipitation strengthening, solid solution strengthening and weak texture. Strengthening mechanism for both alloys was discussed in detail.     

Reduction of Fe concentration in Al–4Si–1Fe–1Cu–0.5Zn–0.5Mn alloys with S

In this article,the effect of sulfur on the reduction of Fe concentration in aluminum alloy scraps was investigated.The iron content decreases from1.224 wt% to \0.854 wt% and achieves an optimal ratio of30 % when the sulfur addition is 3 %.Thermodynamic calculations,the X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscope(SEM),and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)analyses of the sample indicate that the formation of Fe S can occur spontaneously in molten aluminum with the addition of sulfur.The mechanism of Feremoving purification process was also discussed.     

Microstructure,martensitic transformation and mechanical properties of Ni–Mn–Sn alloys by substituting Fe for Ni

The effects of partial substitution of Fe element for Ni element on the structure, martensitic transformation and mechanical properties of Ni_50–xFe_xMn₃₈Sn₁₂ (x=0 and 3%, molar fraction) ferromagnetic shape memory alloys were investigated. Experimental results indicate that by substitution of Fe for Ni, the microstructure and crystal structure of the alloys change at room temperature. Compared with Ni₅₀Mn₃₈Sn₁₂ alloy, the martensitic transformation starting temperature of Ni₄₇Fe₃Mn₃₈Sn₁₂ alloy is decreased by 32.5 K. It is also found that martensitic transformation occurs over a broad temperature window from 288.9 to 352.2 K. It is found that the mechanical properties of Ni–Mn–Sn alloy can be significantly improved by Fe addition. The Ni₄₇Fe₃Mn₃₈Sn₁₂ alloy achieves a maximum compressive strength of 855 MPa with a fracture strain of 11%. Moreover, the mechanism of the mechanical property improvement is clarified. Fe doping changes the fracture type from intergranular fracture of Ni₅₀Mn₃₈Sn₁₂ alloy to transgranular cleavage fracture of Ni₄₇Fe₃Mn₃₈Sn₁₂ alloys.     

Effects of ECAP Extrusion on the Microstructure,Mechanical Properties and Biodegradability of Mg–2Zn–xGd–0.5Zr Alloys

Effects of equal channel angular pressing(ECAP) extrusion on the microstructure, mechanical properties and biodegradability of Mg–2Zn– xGd–0.5Zr( x=0,0.5,1,2 wt%) alloys were studied in this work. Microstructure analysis, tensile test at ambient temperature, immersion test and electrochemical test in Hank's solution were carried out. The results showed that Gd could further enhance the grain refinement during the ECAP extrusion. Both Gd addition and ECAP extrusion could improve the mechanical properties of the alloys, and the extrusion played the dominant role. Minor addition of Gd(0.5–1 wt%) could obviously enhance the corrosion resistance of the alloys. To some extent, ECAP extrusion improved the corrosion resistance of the alloys due to the change of second phases distribution and the refinement of grains. Further increase in extrusion pass was detrimental to the improvement of the corrosion resistance as a result of increment of the grain boundaries.     

Microstructure and texture evolution of Mg–7Y–1Nd–0.5Zr alloy sheets with different rolling temperatures

The extruded Mg-7Y-1Nd-0.5Zr(wt%) alloy were performed to the same strain hot rolling with different temperatures.The microstructure and texture evolution of the sheets were investigated by optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),and electron back-scattered diffraction(EBSD).The results indicate that the microstructure becomes homogeneous after hot rolling process and precipitated phase distributes at grain boundaries ...