Deformation Behavior of ZK60 Magnesium Alloy at Elevated Temperature

Abstract

The high temperature compressive tests of squeeze casting ZK60 magnesium alloy in the testing temperature range of 523-723K and strain rate range of 0.001-10s-1 were performed on Gleeble-1500D thermal simulator testing machine. Optical microscopy was performed to elaborate on the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grain growth. TEM observation indicated that the mechanical twinning, dislocation slip, and dynamic recrystallization are the materials typical deformation features. Variations of flow behavior with deformation temperature as well as strain rate were analyzed. Analysis of the flowing deformation behavior and microstructure observations indicated that the flow localization was observed at lower testing temperature and higher strain rates. Dynamic recrystallization occurred at higher testing temperature and moderate strain rates, which improved the ductility of the material. The results indicated that at the testing temperatures lower than 573K and strain rates higher than 1s-1, the material exhibited flow instability manifesting as bands of flow localizations. These temperatures and strain rates should be avoided in processing the material. Dynamic recrystallization occurs in the temperature range 573-723K and the strain rate range 0.001-0.1s-1. The number of dynamic recrystallization grains is less at lower temperature and higher strain rate than higher temperature and lower strain rate. The dynamic recrystallization is inadequate at 573-623K while the dynamic recrystallization grain growth has been observed in the temperature range of 673-723K. Therefore it may be considered that the optimum processing parameters for hot working of squeeze casting ZK60 magnesium alloy are 648K and 0.001-0.01s-1, at which fine dynamic recrystallization microstructure can be obtained.