High strain rate and/or low temperature superplasticity in AZ31 Mg alloys processed by simple high-ratio extrusion methods

There have been numerous efforts in processing metallic alloys into fine-grained materials, so as to exhibit high strain rate superplasticity (HSRSP) and/or low temperature superplasticity (LTSP). The current study applied the most simple and feasible one-step extrusion method on the commercial AZ31 magnesium ingot to result in HSR&LTSP. The one-step extrusion was undertaken using a high extrusion ratio at 250-350degreesC, and the grain size after one-step extrusion became similar to1-4 mum. The processed AZ31 plate exhibited satisfactory room temperature tensile elongation of 30-50%; 200degreesC elongations of 600% at 1 x 10(-4) s(-1) and 425% at 1 x 10(-3) s(-1); and 300degreesC elongations of 900% at 1 x 10(-4) s(-1), 520% at 8 x 10(-3) s(-1), 300% at 2 x 10(-2) s(-1), and 210% at 1 x 10(-1) s(-1). This suggests that the current AZ31 Mg alloy has possessed HSRSP at relatively low temperatures of 280-300degreesC, as well as LTSP at 200degreesC. The low flow stress of 15-30 MPa and the true strain rate sensitivity of 0.3-0.4 both suggest that grain boundary sliding and solute drag creep have operated under these loading conditions. The current results imply that the simple high-ratio extrusion method might be a feasible processing mean for industry applications.