Significantly enhanced strength-ductility synergy in an ECAP processed Zn-3.5Ag-0.08Mg alloy via lowering processing temperature

Abstract

In this work, Zn-3.5Ag-0.08Mg alloys processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at three different temperatures (250 °C, 150 °C, and room temperature (RT)) were investigated, with a focus on the effects of processing temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties. Interestingly, the strength and ductility of ECAP processed alloys improve simultaneously as the processing temperature drops from 250 °C to RT. The alloy processed at RT exhibits mechanical performance much superior to that of other Zn–Ag based alloys reported by previous studies. Specifically, the alloy has an ultrahigh ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 465.8 MPa and an excellent elongation (EL) of 44.2%, larger than that required by medical implants by 55.3% and 121.0%, respectively. It is worth mentioning that the UTS of 465.8 MPa is the largest one ever reported in Zn–Ag based alloys. Mechanisms of the excellent mechanical performance and the variation of strength and ductility with processing temperature were unveiled. This study provides useful guidance for developing high-performance Zn alloys.