Strong strain hardening ability in an as-cast Mg-3Sn-1Zn alloy

The plastic deformation behavior of as-cast Mg-3Sn-1Zn (TZ31) alloy was investigated at room temperature, which exhibits strong strain hardening ability (i.e. n = 0.55 and H-c = 3.62) and high elongation (epsilon(p) = 19.1%). The generalized stacking fault (GSF) energy of TZ31 alloy is reduced owing to dopings of Sn and Zn atoms, which is beneficial to improving activity of basal slip, activation of non-basal slips and formation of numerous deformation twins. The high density of twins significantly restricts dislocation motion, leading to strong strain hardening ability of the TZ31 alloy. Results obtained here will shed some light on deformation mechanisms of Mg-Sn-Zn alloys, critical to the development of new high-plastic magnesium alloys. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.