Yonghao Gao

Manufacturing high-performance Mg alloy through hot extrusion

ABSTRACT Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloy is usually manufactured through method of combined homogenization, hot deformation and aging treatment and the obtained alloy usually exhibits low ductility. In this investigation, Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloy possessing superior overall mechanical properties, both high ductility and strength, was obtained through a method of hot extrusion applied on the as cast alloy and a following T6 treatment involving a short solution and an aging. The coarse grains in the as cast alloy was severely refined during the extrusion processing, accompanied with the decomposition and dissolving of the eutectic structure generated during casting. After T6-treated, the alloy exhibits superior comprehensive mechanical properties of 293 MPa in yield strength and 9.4% in elongation. Compared with the alloy processed by extrusion and T5 treatment, which is usually used for wrought magnesium alloy, this alloy exhibits an increment of more than 90% in ductility with a sacrifice as low as 2% in yield strength. Meanwhile, the fabrication process is notably shortened. The improvement in mechanical property is attributed to the random texture, generated in the extrusion without a foregoing homogenization. This manufacturing method of combining extrusion and T6 treatment throws light on the application of extruded magnesium alloy through the significant improvement in ductility, notable shortening in fabrication process procedure and the sever reduction in energy consumption.

Effect of Dy and Nd on ZK10 alloy processed by hot extrusion

ABSTRACT About 0.6%Dy and 0.2%Nd are simultaneously added to ZK10 alloy processed by hot extrusion, and their effects are investigated. Obvious refined grains and weakened texture are observed after addition of Dy and Nd. Significantly improved mechanical performance with increase of 16% in yield strength and of 114% in ductility is obtained compared with ZK10 alloy. The strengthening effect is attributed to the grain refinement and solid solution, and the enhanced ductility results from the refined structure and weakened texture. Better optimization in mechanical performance with enhanced strengthening is generated, compared with the alloy with individual RE element addition. Combined addition of trace Dy and Nd throws light on the wide-range production and application of extruded ZK10 alloy.