The Effect of Extrusion in the Complex Strain State on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of MgAlZn Magnesium Alloys

Abstract

The paper presents the results of tests concerning the effect of the extrusion process in the complex strain state on the microstructure and properties of one of magnesium alloy with aluminium, zinc and manganese, designated AZ61. Due to its specific gravity, it is increasingly being used in the automotive and aerospace industries to reduce the weight of structural elements. As a result of plastic deformation processes, rods with a diameter of 8, 6 and 4 mm were obtained from AZ61 magnesium alloy. The microstructure analysis was performed using light and electron microscopy (STEM) techniques in the initial state and after plastic deformation. Microstructure studies were supplemented with a quantitative analysis using the Metilo program. A number of stereological parameters were determined: average diameter of grain, shape factor. A static tensile test was carried out at 250ºC and 300ºC, at deformation rates of 0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001 m·s–1. Better plastic properties after deformation using KoBo method were obtained than with conventional extrusion.

Keywords

• magnesium alloys
• kobo method
• microstructure
• electron microscope
• shape factor