Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg –2Gd –3Y –0.6Zr alloy upon conventional and hydrostatic extrusion

The Mg–12Gd–3Y–0.6Zr (wt. %) alloy was subjected to conventional and hydrostatic extrusion in two subsequent steps. The best combination of mechanical properties (strength and ductility) was achieved by RT hydrostatic extrusion following conventional extrusion at 430 °C, with the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), tensile yield strength (TYS) and elongation being 485 MPa, 413 MPa and 5.2% at room temperature. The texture results of extruded rods indicate that the c-axis of most grains was aligned preferentially perpendicular to the extrusion direction, forming a typical extrusion Mg fiber texture.

Research highlights
► Combination of conventional (CE) and hydrostatic extrusion (HE) of GW123 alloy.
► Superior ultimate tensile strength of 510 MPa.
► Weak textures prior to HE due to DRX and SRX during CE.