Microstructural and Hardness evolution of AZ80 alloy after ECAP and post-ECAP processes

Abstract

This research paper investigates the microstructure evolution and hardness variation of wrought AZ80 magnesium alloy after each ECAP passes. The strengthening effect of AZ80 alloy was examined after post-ECAP aging treatment. Alloys were severely deformed through equal channel angular press at 533K using route Bc with a die channel angle (φ) 1100 and corner angle (ψ) 300. Subsequently, the microstructural characterization was studied using optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Further, post-ECAP aging treatment at 523K for 6h and 12h was performed and microhardness of the specimens was measured. It was found that the grain refinement through thermo-mechanical processing of ECAP and Post-ECAP treatment significantly improves the microhardness of the Mg alloy, which directly influences the properties of wrought AZ80 magnesium alloy. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.