A heat-treatable Mg–Al–Ca–Mn–Zn sheet alloy with good room temperature formability

Abstract

A newly developed magnesium sheet alloy, Mg–1.1Al–0.3Ca–0.2Mn–0.3Zn (at.%), shows a large Index Erichsen value of 7.7mm in a solution treated (T4) condition due to a weak basal texture developed by the trace addition of Zn. Subsequent artificial aging at 200°C for 1h (T6) significantly increases the 0.2% proof strength from 144MPa to 204MPa. This improvement in strength by the T6 treatment is associated with a dense distribution of monoatomic layer Guinier–Preston zones on the basal planes of the Mg matrix.