Mechanical properties and microstructures of various Mg–Li alloys

Five Mg–Li–Zn alloys namely Mg-11%Li-1%Zn, Mg-9%Li-1%Zn, Mg-9%Li-1%Zn-0.2%Mn, Mg-9%Li-1%Zn-1%Al-0.2%Mn, and Mg-9%Li-3%Al-1%Zn-0.2%Mn were prepared. These alloys have been processed by equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE), and the subsequent mechanical properties and microstructures were studied. After ECAE process, the room temperature strength was significantly enhanced at a modest cost of elongation reduction. From the results of five Mg–Li–Zn alloys as processed by ECAE, Mg–9Li–1Zn alloy has the greatest increase in tensile strength and the least decrease in elongation. The high temperature superplasticity was demonstrated. However, the testing conditions were selective. As for texture formation, the weak to medium extent was produced after four passes of ECAE process at 373 and 423 K. The density and elastic modulus properties of these alloys were analyzed, and showed the highest specific value as compared with other popular alloys, not to mention plastics.