Tensile and fracture properties of an Mg-RE-Zn alloy at elevated temperatures

Magnesium alloy EZ10 (Mg-RE-Zn) was deformed in tension at temperatures from 20 up to 520 degrees C. A rapid decrease of the yield and tensile strength with temperature was observed at temperatures higher than 300 degrees C. On the other hand, ductility of samples rapidly increased in the same temperature range. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to reveal the reason for these behaviours. lntermetallic particles in grain boundaries are responsible for excellent mechanical properties at lower temperatures. Diffusional processes occurring at temperatures higher than 300 degrees C significantly influenced the deformation mechanism as well as the fracture character.