A Study on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy after Constrained Groove Pressing

Abstract

This study the AZ31 magnesium alloy trips of the dimension 60×60×3 mm was used for constrained groove pressing (CGP) after 4 cycles under elevated temperature condition. Microstructure and mechanical properties were analyzed for a material with ultra-fine grained structure prepared by CGP of AZ31 magnesium alloy. Analysis of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs observations showed significant drop of the grain size from (50 ÷ 60) μm to (4 ÷ 6) μm after four CGP cycles. The minimal grain size of (H1.5) μm was detected in the regions of the highest deformation. Moreover, the tensile test along the x and z directions showed excellent high strength (325 MPa) and also plastic elongation of 35 %. It is shown that the CGP technique is a good tool for the grain refinement and improving mechanical properties of magnesium alloys.