Reducing tension-compression yield asymmetry in non-rare earth magnesium alloys

Abstract

In the present work, Mg-0.3at%Mn, Mg-0.3at%Zr, and Mg-0.3at%Mn-0.3at%Zr alloys were synthesized by the stir casting process. Stir-cast alloys were homogenized at 693 K for 4h, followed by quenching. After that alloys were rolled at 573 K and annealed at 573 K for 30 min. In order to know the mechanical response of these alloys, tension and compression studies were carried out. Tension and Compression studies show that Mg-0.3at%Mn and Mg-0.3at%Zr alloys exhibit high yield asymmetry behavior, whereas Mg-0.3at%Mn-0.3at%Zr alloy exhibits reduced yield asymmetry behavior. SEM-EBSD analysis shows that Mg-0.3at%Mn and Mg-0.3at%Zr alloys exhibit sharp basal texture, whereas Mg-0.3at%Mn-0.3at%Zr alloy exhibits weakened basal texture. STEM-EDS analysis shows that segregation does not occur in Mg-0.3at%Mn and Mg-0.3at%Zr alloys exhibit sharp basal texture, whereas Mn segregation is observed in Mg-0.3at%Mn-0.3at%Zr alloy. The weakened basal texture in Mg-0.3at%Mn-0.3at%Zr alloy is expected to be due to the Mn segregation, which consequently could lead to the reduction in yield asymmetry behavior.