Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of AZ80 alloy reheated from as-cast and deformed states

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of AZ80 alloy reheated from the as-cast and deformed states were investigated. A new method, cyclic closed-die forging (CCDF), was employed to deformation of AZ80 as a recrystallization and partial melting (RAP) process. During partial remelting, finer, rounder and more homogeneous grains can be obtained from CCDF-formed alloys than from as-cast alloys. Prolonging isothermal holding time from 0 to 40 min, the mean grain size of solid particles in as-cast state decreased initially and then increased, however, that of CCDF-formed alloys increased continuously. The degree of spheroidization was improved in as-cast alloys with prolonging holding time. In contrast, in CCDF-formed alloys, the value of shape factor increased initially and then decreased. Microstructure evolution during remelting is dominated by many factors, for example distortion energy providing recrystallization driving force, Ostwald ripening mechanism, grain coalescence. Compared with the as-cast alloys, the CCDF-formed AZ80 alloy got a significant improvement in tensile properties. YS, UTS and elongation increased by 89%, 45% and 242% respectively. This can be mainly attributed to the grain refinement and elimination of defects.