[0001] Compression response at room temperature of single-crystal magnesium

Compression of single-crystal magnesium along the [0001] direction at room temperature confirmed a high yield stress, high work-hardening and minimal plastic deformation prior to fracture. Post-deformation examination revealed the dominance of c+a slip; straight and zig-zag dislocations and numerous fine dislocation loops, all with the 〈11–23〉 Burgers vector, were observed. These are thought to be responsible for the high work-hardening behavior. Extension and contraction twins were present, but only occasionally. Extension twins were shown to occur during unloading.