article · Heliyon
Magnesium alloys are commercially attractive, but their crystal structure often results in poor formability and undesirable mechanical behaviours. Processing a magnesium-zinc-manganese alloy, ZM31, through equal channel angular pressing significantly alters its microstructural characteristics. Subjecting the material to two and four passes via route Bc triggers dynamic recrystallisation, producing high lattice strain, strong fibre structures, and fine average grain sizes of 2.2 and 2 micrometres. These structural changes notably improve material performance. Corrosion resistance in a sodium chloride medium improves by 99.5 percent after four passes, supported by the formation of thicker, more coherent, and more stable protective oxide layers. Mechanical strength also sees substantial gains, with yield strength increasing by 132 percent, ultimate strength by 64 percent, and overall microhardness improving across the processed samples.
Magnesium alloys are lightweight and desirable for many industrial uses, but poor mechanical strength and rapid corrosion often limit their practical use. Demonstrating that severe deformation processing can more than double yield strength while virtually halting corrosion in salt water offers a clear pathway towards making these lightweight materials viable for demanding structural and environmental conditions.
This research is relevant to manufacturing industries that require lightweight components with exceptional mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. The process could enable wider adoption of ZM31 magnesium alloys in demanding environments. Because the findings are based on laboratory processing and testing, the work appears to be at an early, experimental stage of development before direct industrial integration can occur.
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The hexagonal close-packed (HCP) crystal structure of Mg alloys lead to poor formability as well as other undesirable mechanical behaviors in an otherwise highly sought-after alloy for commercial use. This study investigates the evolution of microstructure, texture, corrosion and mechanical behaviors in Mg-Zn-Mn (ZM31) alloy after processing using Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP). Dynamic recrystallization was evident in the ECAP-processed samples, correlated with a substantial fiber structure, and resulted in the attainment of notable grain refinement and high lattice strain. Average grain sizes of 2.2 and 2 μm were achieved via 2 and 4-Pass Bc processing, respectively. This significant refinement yielded lower corrosion rates through enhancement of the thickness, coherency, and stability of formed protective oxide layers. The corrosion rate in the NaCl medium was substantially enhanced by 99.5% after four passes via route Bc. The recrystallized fine structure was found to have contributed to yield strength, ultimate strength, and microhardness improvements. Deformation enhanced yield and ultimate strengths by 132% and 64%, respectively. The distinctive grain refinement mechanism exhibited through the current ECAP procedure has potential to pave the way for novel and impactful utilizations of ZM31 in industries that demand exceptional mechanical and corrosion performance.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26400
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