Development of processing maps for as-cast ZE41A magnesium alloy

The hot deformation behavior of as-cast ZE41A magnesium alloy was studied by employing both processing maps and microstructural observations. To obtain processing map, hot compression tests were performed over a range of strain rates (0.001–1.0 s−1) and temperatures (250–450 °C). Power dissipation efficiency (η) and instability parameter ([ζ( )] & were evaluated and processing maps were developed for the strain of 0.5. The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and instable zones were identified and validated through micrographs. The processing maps can be used to select optimum strain rates and temperatures for effective hot working of the material.