Relationship between texture and low temperature superplasticity in an extruded AZ31 Mg alloy processed by ECAP

The development of low temperature superplasticity and texture is examined in an AZ31 Mg alloy after extrusion and processing by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP). It is demonstrated that an elongation of similar to 460% may be attained at a temperature of 150 degrees C, equivalent to 0.46 T-m where T-m is the absolute melting temperature. This result demonstrates the potential for achieving low temperature superplasticity. The experimental results show that the mechanical properties of the alloy are influenced by the different textures present after extrusion and after extrusion and subsequent processing by ECAP. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.