Abstract:

We addressed the impact of extrusion temperature and velocity on microstructure and mechanical properties of high extrusion ratio AZ31B magnesium alloy.We employed optical microscopy (OM) to observe its microstructure, indoor temperature tensile test to determine its mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe its fracture morphology. Results show that dynamic recrystallization is complete, a few grains grow and mixed grain structure disappears for high extrusion ratio. Low temperature and high speed extrusion are benefit for fine grain and even grain distribution, so we can get high tensile and yield strength and better ductility.Its optimal tensile strength and elongation rate are 336.5 MPa and 22.5% for 350 ℃ and 2 m/min extrusion. For low temperature and high speed extrusion, its tensile fracture has finer and deep dimples, obvious ductile fracture characteristic. However, mixed fracture exists for high temperature and low speed extrusion.

Key words: extrusion process, mechanical properties, AZ31B magnesium alloy, microstructure, high extrusion ratio