Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of extruded Mg-12Zn-1.5Er alloy

The microstructure and mechanical properties of the cast and extruded Mg-12Zn-1.5Er alloys were investigated. The I-phase observed in the cast Mg-12Zn-1.5Er alloy was broken during hot extrusion. The microstructure of the alloy was refined due to the dynamic recrystallization, and the equiaxed grains have size in the range of 2-5 μm. Moreover, a great deal of nano-scale particles precipitate in the recrystallized grains. Compared with the cast one, the extruded alloy shows a great improvement on the mechanical properties as the result of refined microstructure, the dispersed I-phase and the fine precipitates. The ultimate tensile strength and the yield tensile strength of this extruded alloy are 359 and 318 MPa, respectively.