Microstructure and tensile properties of new type of hot rolled Mg-3Sn-1Zn alloy sheet at elevated temperatures

Uniaxial tensile tests of a new type of hot rolled Mg-3Sn-1Zn (TZ31) alloy have been investigated within the temperature range of 25 to 200 degrees C. The elongation to failure epsilon(f) increases from 21.9% at 25 degrees C to 79.0% at 200 degrees C, while the 0.2% offset yield strength and peak true strength sigma(p) decrease from 141 to 60 MPa and from 264 to 91 MPa respectively. The thermal stability of globular Mg2Sn precipitates is beneficial to the strength of the rolled TZ31 alloy at elevated temperatures. However, dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallisation play an important role in the elevated temperature elongation. Results obtained here can be used as a reference to develop inexpensive new types Mg alloys with potential for applications at elevated temperatures.