[0001] Compression response at room temperature of single-crystal magnesium

Compression of single-crystal magnesium along the [0001] direction at room temperature confirmed a high yield stress, high work-hardening and minimal plastic deformation prior to fracture. Post-deformation examination revealed the dominance of c + a slip; straight and zig-zag dislocations and numerous fine dislocation loops, all with the < 11-23 > Burgers vector, were observed. These are thought to be responsible for the high work-hardening behavior. Extension and contraction twins were present, but only occasionally. Extension twins were shown to occur during unloading. (c) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.