Microstructure and mechanical properties of a high ductility Mg–Zn–Mn–Ce magnesium alloy

A high-ductility ZME200 (Mg–2.3Zn–0.4Mn–0.2Ce1) alloy was newly developed for vehicle closure and structure applications, based on an earlier ZE20 (Mg–2.0Zn–0.2Ce) alloy for extrusion applications. Previous study indicates that the hot deformation behavior of as-cast ZME200 alloy varies with processing parameters, namely temperature and strain rate. In this follow-up study, a conventional rolling process was optimized to obtain magnesium sheets with a very fine grain structure and high ductility. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistances of ZME200 alloy were investigated, and compared with those of commercial AZ31 magnesium alloy. It was demonstrated that the ZME200 alloy sheet exhibits extraordinarily higher ductility (36% in tensile elongation), much superior stretch formability (an Erichsen value of 9.5), lower anisotropy, comparable strength and corrosion resistance to AZ31 alloy. The unique RD–TD double split texture with remarkably reduced intensity and grain refinement gives rise to the significantly improved ductility and formability at room-temperature.