Precipitation behaviors and mechanical properties of a solution-treated Mg-Gd-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy during equal-channel angular pressing process

A magnesium alloy processed by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) exhibited excellent microstructure refinement and improved strength and hardness. The comprehensive mechanical properties of magnesium alloys have supported the expansion of their applications in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical industries. Herein, pre-treatment of a solution-treated Mg-2.9Gd-1.5Nd-0.3Zn-0.3Zr alloy was conducted to investigate the precipitate behavior and microstructure evolution during the ECAP process. beta(1) phase grains quickly precipitated from the solution-treated alloy, which accelerated grain refinement and enhanced the ductility after the ECAP process, as compared to the as-cast alloy reported in our previous study. Moreover, spherical precipitates (similar to 200 nm) and fine phases (similar to 100 nm) precipitated along the stripe-like Zn2Zr3 phase, which formed a kabap-like structure dispersing homogeneously in the solution-treated alloy during the ECAP process. Owing to grain refinement, dislocations, spherical beta(1) precipitates, and texture evolution, the solution-treated alloy after eight passes of ECAP exhibited good comprehensive mechanical properties, with the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation values reaching 210.9 MPa, 263.9 MPa, and 27.9%, respectively. (C) 2021 Chongqing University. Publishing services provided by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.

Automated summary

Magnesium alloy processed by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) shows excellent microstructure refinement and enhanced strength and hardness, supporting its applications in various industries. Pre-treatment of solution-treated magnesium alloy investigated the precipitate behavior and microstructure evolution during ECAP, resulting in improved comprehensive mechanical properties.