Effect of ECAP on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Rolled Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr Magnesium Alloy

Abstract

A fine-grained Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy was processed by bar-rolling and equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP). The effect of ECAP on the microstructure and mechanical properties of rolled Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy was investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction and a room temperature tensile test. The results show that the Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy obtained high strength and poor plasticity after rolling. As the number of ECAP passes increased, the grain size of the alloy gradually reduced and the texture of the basal plane gradually weakened. The ultimate tensile strength of the alloy first increased and then decreased, the yield strength gradually decreased, and the plasticity continuously increased. After four passes of ECAP, the average grain size decreased from 11.2 µm to 1.87 µm, and the alloy obtained excellent comprehensive mechanical properties. Its strength was slightly reduced compared to the as-rolled alloy, but the plasticity was greatly increased.