Structure and properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy after combination of hot extrusion and ECAP

Abstract

Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) method was used for achieving very fine-grained structure and increased mechanical properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy. The experiments were focused on the, in the initial state, hot extruded alloy. ECAP process was realized at the temperature 250°C and following route Bc. It was found that combination of hot extrusion and ECAP leads to producing of material with significantly fine-grained structure and improves mechanical properties. Alloy structure after the fourth pass of ECAP tool with helix matrix 30° shows a fine-grained structure with average grain size of 2 μm to 3 μm and high disorientation between the grains. More experimental results are discussed in this article.