Precipitate characteristics and their effect on the prismatic-slip-dominated deformation behaviour of an Mg-6 Zn alloy

This study provides a detailed quantitative characterization of precipitation in an Mg-6 Zn alloy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize the average size, aspect ratio and volume fraction of the rod-shaped precipitates for ageing at 200 degrees C. The effect of these precipitate characteristics on the prismatic-slip-dominated deformation behaviour of the above alloy has been evaluated. In particular, their effect on the yield strength and work hardening behaviour of the alloy has been determined. The potential role of Zn solute in solution on the rate of dynamic recovery is discussed. TEM was also used to examine the precipitate dislocation interaction mechanism on the prism plane in various precipitation states. It was found that the Orowan equation is appropriate for predicting the strengthening on the prism and basal planes due to rod-shaped precipitates. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.