Effects of extrusion conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy extrusions

The effects of billet homogenization and extrusion conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy extrusions is investigated. Mg-Al and Mg-Al-Zn compounds observed in the cast billet disappear with homogenization. Further, elongation of the extrusion increases with homogenization. As extrusion ratio increases, elongation of the extrusion also increases due to grain refining. When billet temperature is lower and extrusion speed is smaller, grain size of the extrusion decreases. As a result, the elongation of the extrusion increases. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.