Enhancing mechanical properties of rolled Mg-Al-Ca-Mn alloy sheet by Zn addition

A strong and ductile Mg-8Al-1Zn-1Ca-0.3Mn (wt%) alloy sheet has been successfully developed via commercial rolling process. The ultimate tensile strength, 0.2% proof stress, and elongation to failure along the rolling direction of the sheet are 371 MPa, 275 MPa, and 17.1%, respectively. The high strength and ductility are attributed to the fine recrystallized grains and densely dispersed fine Mg17Al12 precipitates. Further, due to its isotropic basal texture, the Mg-8Al-1Zn-1Ca-0.3Mn alloy sheet shows little in-plane anisotropy. The ultimate tensile strength, 0.2% proof stress, and elongation to failure along the 45 degrees and transverse direction of the sheet are almost the same as those in the rolling direction. The good tensile properties can be realized by using only inexpensive ingredients and commercial rolling process; therefore, the Mg-8Al-1Zn-1Ca-0.3Mn alloy sheet will be a candidate as structural materials for transportation vehicles.