Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of ZK60 magnesium alloy prepared by multi-axial forging during partial remelting

In order to improve the mechanical properties of ZK60 magnesium alloy components, the multi-axial forging (MAF) plus partial remelting route was used in this study. The effect of remelting temperature and holding time on microstructure of semi-solid ZK60 magnesium alloy was also studied. Furthermore, the tensile mechanical properties of ZK60 magnesium alloy components produced by multi-axial forging plus partial remelting route were compared at different thixoforging temperatures. The results showed that the multi-axial forging followed by partial remelting is an effective route to produce semi-solid ZK60 magnesium alloy for thixoforming. During the partial remelting, with prolonging the holding time and increasing the remelting temperatures, the solid grain size increased. With the increase of remelting temperature, the degree of spheroidization tended to be improved. With increasing the thixoforming temperature from 560 °C to 574 °C, the tensile mechanical properties of ZK60 magnesium alloy were improved.