Microstructural Evolution of Mg-Zn-Gd Alloy Using Equal Channel Angular Pressing to Enhance Mechanical and Corrosion Properties

Abstract

Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was used on the Mg-Zn-Gd alloy in this study to improve its corrosion and mechanical properties. Microstructural and phase analysis reveal that, after ECAP, a substantial grain refinement occurred, and secondary phases were observed. The grain size of the as-cast (AC) sample is reduced from 20 ± 1 to 0.88 ± 0.6 µm, attributed to dynamic recrystallization. The mechanical properties of the ECAP sample were significantly improved when compared to the AC sample. An improvement in the microhardness (43%), ultimate tensile strength (73%), yield strength (76%), and ductility (50%) were observed for the ECAP sample. A decrease in the corrosion rate was observed for ECAP sample (9 ± 1 mm/year) compared to the AC (16 ± 2 mm/year) sample. The grain refinement and crystallographic orientation of the ECAP samples contributed to the enhancement of corrosion resistance. © ASM International 2025.