Profile Shape Effect on the Texture and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Rare Earth Containing Magnesium Alloys

Magnesium alloys with rare earth or Ca additions often form weak textures during rolling of magnesium sheets or extrusion of round bars. However, in the case of the extrusion of flat profiles of such alloys strong textures may develop. This is of fundamental importance because weaker textures are associated with higher ductility or formability. Variations in the activity of deformation and recrystallization mechanism play a role in the microstructure and texture development during the underlying forming procedures. In this study, magnesium alloys with Zn or Mn as the main alloying elements were modified with rare earth or Ca and extruded to flat profiles. The microstructure and texture development is compared and related to the mechanical properties. Alloying and processing aspects are discussed with a view to tailor the mechanical properties of such flat profiles.