Microstructural and micro-mechanical behaviours of friction stir processed magnesium alloy

This investigation deals with the microstructural and mechanical behaviours of friction stir processed (FSPed) commercially available pure magnesium with different tool profile geometry. The micro-level properties were assessed through in-situ micro-pillar compression which showed that FSPed material experienced significant plastic deformation and even re-distribution of residual oxide particles which was present in the cast magnesium together with grain refinement (from 3.4 μm to 2.6–2.7 μm). These changes in microstructure contributed to raise the compressive and yield strengths of the FSPed magnesium, up to 99 MPa and 94 MPa respectively, compared to 33 MPa of cast magnesium, when triangular tool profile was employed. Furthermore, the deformed material acquires ductile breakage with improved plasticity (micro-necking) irrespective of processing conditions, that is, either cast or friction stir processed.