Improved mechanical properties of Mg–7.6Al–0.4Zn alloy through aging prior to extrusion

This paper demonstrates that aging prior to extrusion (APE) can greatly enhance the mechanical properties of an extruded Mg–7.6Al–0.4Zn alloy. The fine Mg17Al12 precipitates formed by APE reduce the average size of dynamically recrystallized grains and increase the amount of small Mg17Al12 particles present after extrusion, thereby improving the strength of the alloy. This APE treatment also enhances the ductility of the extruded alloy by decreasing the amount of large banded Mg17Al12 particles, and suppressing the serrated flow during tensile deformation.