Microstructures and properties of AZ31 magnesium alloys formed by multi-channel porthole extrusion

This study investigated the effects of different extrusion temperatures and extrusion ratios on the microstructures and properties of AZ31 magnesium alloys formed by multi-channel porthole extrusion. The experimental results showed that equiaxed grains were formed during the dynamic recrystallization process and that alloy grains were refined by extrusion. Increased extrusion temperatures (from 340 ℃ to 420 ℃) resulted in larger alloy grains and decreased tensile strength of the alloy. Increased extrusion ratios (from 9 to 25) resulted in refined alloy grains and increased tensile strength of the alloy. Under conditions of low extrusion temperature and high extrusion ratio, the tensile strength and elongation of magnesium alloys were effectively improved. AZ31 magnesium alloys produced by multi-channel porthole extrusion at the extrusion temperature of 340℃ and the extrusion ratio of 25 possessed the finest average grain sizes (1.6 μm in the weld zone, 6.6 μm in the non-weld zone ) and the maximum tensile strength (290 MPa) and elongation (20.8 %)