An effective approach called the composite extrusion to improve the mechanical properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets

In the present study, a new effective composite extrusion to produce the AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets was carried out and compared with the conventional direct extrusion. The microstructures, textures and mechanical properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets obtained by two different extrusion processes at room temperature were investigated. The results demonstrated that the ductility of the extruded AZ31 sheet was increased from 18.5% to 22.5% and the ultimate tensile stress (UTS) was also higher by the composite extrusion, compared with those by the conventional direct extrusion. The improved mechanical properties of the composite extruded samples were mainly attributed to the more homogeneous and finer microstructure near the center as well as the weakened basal texture which were depended on the introduction of shear deformation caused by the fiction between billets during the composite extrusion. Therefore, the composite extrusion could be a simple but effective extrusion process to improve the mechanical properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets.