Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an AZ91 Magnesium Alloy Processed through Backward Extrusion

A cast AZ91 magnesium alloy was processed via backward extrusion (BE) method at different temperatures of 250, 350 and 450°C. Metallography investigations were conducted at three different regions of BE-processed cup (wall, bottom and flow channel). The main feature observed at the wall of the BE cup was mechanical twins, the frequency of which was decreased by increasing the process temperature. Flow localization in the form of shear banding occurred within the flow channel at all deformation temperatures. The bottom of the BE-processed cup at 250°C exhibited coarse initial grains along with continuous network of eutectic phase at the grain boundaries. However, increasing the process temperature to 350 and 450°C led to the fragmentation of the γ-Mg17Al12 network down to the fine particles, where a considerable grain refinement was also traced particularly at 450°C. Furthermore, shear punch testing method was employed to evaluate the room temperature mechanical properties of the backward extruded specimens. The results show that BE-processed material would benefit from higher strength compared to the as-received material; however, the ductility follows different trends depending on the deformation temperature