ZK60 alloy processed by ECAP: Microstructural, physical and mechanical characterization

Lately, magnesium alloys have been extensively investigated through severe plastic deformation (SPD) methods in order to extend their application to structural components. In the present work, as-extruded ZK60 magnesium alloy samples were subjected to 4 passes of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) at a processing temperature of 250 °C, following route Bc. The microstructural evolution of the deformed grains was analyzed using electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). The Orientation Imaging Microscopy (OIM) maps, together with the grain boundary misorientation distribution showed a reduction in the grain size accompanied by a large proportion of high angle grain boundaries. Calorimetric analysis showed a slight increase in the recrystallization temperature of the ECAPed magnesium samples. Mechanical tests showed an improvement in the elongation-to-failure after 4 ECAP passes, which were about 2 times higher than in the as-extruded sample. Also a brittle to ductile transition was observed.