Processing magnesium alloys by severe plastic deformation

The use of severe plastic deformation techniques for processing magnesium alloys has moved from the early difficulties of processing to a stage of tailoring the best properties of these materials. The present paper reviews processing, structure and mechanical properties characterization. It is shown that ultrafine-grained structures are obtained in magnesium alloys processed by multiple passes of Equal-Channel Angular Pressing at moderate temperatures. Ultrafine-grained structures are also obtained by room temperature processing by High-Pressure Torsion. The ultrafine-grained structures increase strength and introduce excellent superplastic capabilities in many magnesium alloys. Moreover, processing magnesium alloys by severe plastic deformation leads to the development of anisotropy in mechanical behavior.