Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-6Zn-2Si Alloy Processed by Equal Channel Angular Pressing
The Mg-6Zn-2Si alloy was processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) for 4 passes and 8 passes at 573K, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy before and after ECAP were studied. The results show that Chinese script type interphase of Mg2Si was crushed into dispersed particles, and significant grain refinement was also introduced to the matrix phase (α-Mg) and Mg51Zn20 phase after 4 passes of ECAP. The yield strength was increased by 180%, elongation by 140% and tensile strength by 75%. The microstructure and mechanical properties remained reasonably constant between 4 and 8 passes of ECAP. The mechanism of improvement on microstructure and mechanical properties of the experimental alloy by subjecting ECAP was also investigated.