Effect of the extrusion conditions on the texture and mechanical properties of indirect-extruded Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy

The effects of the processing conditions on the texture and mechanical properties of indirect-extruded Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy are investigated. During the extrusion process, the alloy was subjected to various initial billet temperatures and ram speeds, exhibiting different extrudate exit temperatures depending on the extrusion conditions. The Zener-Hollomon parameter acquired from the exit temperature of the extrudate and the ram speed was found to have a significant effect on the grain size, texture, and yield asymmetry of the extruded alloy. Among the processing conditions investigated, a higher Zener-Hollomon parameter resulted in a finer grain size and weaker fiber texture, thereby decreasing the yield asymmetry of the extruded Mg alloy. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.