Enhanced mechanical properties of Mg-Al-Zn cast alloy via friction stir processing

Mg-Al-Zn casting was subjected to friction stir processing (FSP) and subsequent aging. FSP resulted in significant breakup and dissolution of the coarse, network-like eutectic beta-Mg17Al12 phase distributed at the grain boundaries and remarkable grain refinement, thereby improving significantly the tensile properties of the casting. The FSP Mg-Al-Zn sample exhibited an ultimate tensile strength of 337 MPa and an elongation of 10%. FSP combined with aging is a simple and effective approach to enhance the mechanical properties of Mg-Al-Zn casting. (c)@ 2006 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.