Microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium extrusion alloys AM30, AZ31 and AZ61

This paper summarizes the "Extrusion and Forming" task progress made by the United States team in the Canada-China-USA "Magnesium Front End Research and Development" (MFERD) project. Mechanical properties in tension and compression were obtained in extrusion, transverse and 45 degree directions. The properties in the extrusion direction were generally better than the properties of the die cast alloys AM60 and AZ91. Significant tension-compression asymmetry (different yield strength in tension and compression) and plastic anisotropy (different plastic behavior in different directions) of these alloys are due to the strong texture developed in the extrusion process. A detailed EBSD analysis of the solid and hollow extrusions of AM30, AZ31 and AZ61 alloys was conducted to characterize the crystallographic texture developed during extrusion to fully understand its effect on the properties obtained.