Development of extraordinary high-strength Mg-8Al-0.5Zn alloy via a low temperature and slow speed extrusion

An extraordinary high strength Mg-8Al-0.5Zn alloy has been developed through extrusion at a low temperature of 200 degrees C and a slow speed of 0.07 mm/s. The as-extruded alloy exhibited a tensile yield strength of 403 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 437 MPa, an elongation of 10.7%, and a low tension-compression yield asymmetry of 0.97. These superior mechanical properties are attributed to the combined effect of ultra-fine recrystallized grains, numerous nano-scale Mg17Al12 precipitates, and strong basal texture. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.