Characterization of semi-closed die-forged ZK60 Mg alloy extrusion

Abstract

The present research aims at characterization of ZK60 Mg-alloy processed through semi-closed die-forging at the temperature of 450 °C with the ram speed of 0.4 mm/s by investigating the compression behavior along the extrusion directions (ED) and radial directions (RD). Microstructural analysis shows a bimodal grain structure in the extruded sample, while the forged samples exhibited grains elongated along the perpendicular direction of forging with no evidence of dynamic recrystallization. It is also seen that the samples in as-extruded condition obtained the ultimate compression strength (UCS) of 449 and 335 MPa along the ED and RD, respectively. After forging the attained UCS were decreased by ~14 and ~11% for the ED and RD, respectively, while a significant improvement in fracture strain between ~48 and ~76% is observed in the forged samples. It is concluded that the forging of magnesium is a beneficial technique for manufacturing of load-bearing components.