Abstract
A strengthening phenomenon has been demonstrated in the Mg–3Al–1Zn (AZ31) alloy after simultaneous annealing and loading at 180 °C. The microstructural analysis reveals that a few second-phase particles appear in the material after direct annealing at 180 °C for 20 h. However, a higher quantity of the second-phase particles (Al12Mg17) is observed in the alloy after simultaneous annealing and loading. Further, a high stress is observed to be more beneficial for the precipitation of the particles. It is speculated that the stress applied during annealing can provide a better condition for the nucleation of the precipitates. The enhanced extent of precipitates may play a significant role in preventing the dislocation gliding, thus, leading to a strengthening effect. The observed phenomenon may also provide a novel strategy for strengthening the magnesium alloys.
Highlights
Magnesium and its alloys have received significant research attention owing to the lightweight structure, recyclability and abundance [1,2,3]
There was no obvious plastic deformation when the material was subjected to simultaneous annealing and loading because the applied stress (60 MPa) was obviously low than the yield stress of the initial material (~110 MPa)
The AZ31 alloy was subjected to the simultaneous annealing and loading, and the microstructural evolution and the influence on the mechanical properties were characterized
Summary
Magnesium and its alloys have received significant research attention owing to the lightweight structure, recyclability and abundance [1,2,3]. Improving the mechanical properties of the magnesium alloys has attracted a significant attention in the recent years. The methods to enhance the mechanical properties of the magnesium alloys include alloying or compositing, plastic processing and heat treatment. The alloying or compositing aims to refine the grain size, generate a second phase, achieve solution strengthening, etc. During the plastic processing method, the severe plastic deformation is observed to be effective in refining the grain size, enhancing the yielding in magnesium and its alloys [8,9]. Zhao et al [14] observed that the {10–12} twins in a pre-strained Mg AZ31 plate (pre-compression along the transverse direction) nealing hardening effect. TaTbalbel1e. 1C.oCmopmospitoiosintsioonf sAoZf3A1 mZ3a1gnmesaigunmesailulomy (amllaosys%(m) uassesd%in) uthsiesdstiundtyh. is study
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