Effects of fabrication methods on deformability and microstructure of Mg-Zn-Zr wrought alloy

The effects of fabrication processing methods on the workability of Mg-Zn-Zr wrought magnesium alloy (ZK60A) were investigated based on the microstructure and inherent internal defects. Three different billets, semi-continuously cast, semi-continuously cast and subsequently extruded, and die-cast, were fabricated and uniaxially compressed at elevated temperatures and two different strain rates to determine the deformation capabilities. The grain structure of the billets was investigated using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The internal defects were inspected by an X-ray scanner. The enhanced deformability was observed in semi-continuously cast billet compared to the one fabricated by conventional die-casting, and the subsequent extrusion further improved the deformability.