Enhanced mechanical behavior and corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy through a novel solid-phase processing

Abstract

In this work, a novel solid-phase processing; namely, shear assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE) was used to modify the microstructure of AZ31 magnesium alloy, which simultaneously improved corrosion resistance along with mechanical properties compared to wrought AZ31 alloys. A noble breakdown potential, higher polarization resistance, and a smaller film thickness after immersion was observed after ShAPE processing. The improved corrosion resistance of ShAPE processed alloy was attributed to grain refinement, homogenized distribution of second phases, and low residual strain in the matrix. Similarly, a tilted basal texture along the ShAPE processed direction contributed towards enhanced ductility and eliminated the tension-compression asymmetry.