Fragmentation of long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase and its impact on microstructure evolution of a Mg–Y–Zn alloy during multi-directional forging

Abstract

In this study, multi-directional forging (MDF) experiments were conducted to a homogenized Mg-2.36Y-0.98Zn (at%) alloy containing long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase. Microstructure evolution of the MDFed alloys with different forging passes were systematically investigated, corresponding microhardness development was also concerned. The results revealed that grain refinement, texture weakening and DRX development during MDF were closely relevant to fragmentation of LPSO phase. It was also found that development of average microhardness and mechanical heterogeneity of the MDFed alloys can be attributed to the competition and balance of work hardening, grain refinement and DRX softening. Furthermore, LPSO-related deformation and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behaviors such as (i) kink-aided DRX (KDRX, this concept was firstly nominated in this study); (ii) particle stimulated nucleation mechanism (PSN) and (iii) pinning effect on DRX nucleus were thoroughly discussed, which should help to understand the unique microstructure evolution of LPSO-containing Mg alloys, and thus offer certain enlightenment for manufacturing LPSO-strengthened Mg alloys with excellent mechanical property.