Development of AZ31 Mg alloy wrought process route without protective gas

Abstract

Magnesium alloys are attractive for structural components in transportation industries. At present, magnesium components for structural applications are mainly produced by die casting process. It is, however, commonly acknowledged that structural components made from wrought alloys through metal forming processes have great advantage in terms of obtainable strength and toughness. In addition, most of wrought magnesium alloys are heat treatable and thus allow their strengths to be further improved or their mechanical performance to be tailored by adjusting the parameters of heat treatment. However, wrought process route of melting, ingot casting/continuous casting, forming and heat treatment for magnesium alloys should be carried out under protective cover gas to prevent oxidation and ignition. The purpose of this study was to eliminate cover gas during whole wrought process route. This paper discussed effect of CaO on ignition and oxidation behaviors of AZ31 Mg alloy as well as on surface roughness and mechanical properties AZ31 Mg alloy extruded parts.