Thermo-Mechanical Methods for Improving Fatigue Performance of Wrought Magnesium Alloys.

Wrought magnesium alloys AZ80 and ZK60 in as-cast condition were extruded at 300°C with extrusion ratios of ER = 12 and 44. Resulting microstructures, crystallographic textures and mechanical properties were investigated. Extruding led to profound reduction in grain size in comparison to as-cast condition which drastically improved yield stress, tensile elongation and HCF performance. Strength differentials in ZK60 after extruding at ER = 12 were more pronounced than after extruding at ER = 44 whereas no such effect was observed in AZ80. Swaging after extruding further increased yield stress and endurance limit, while strength differential increased and ductility was lowered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]