Microstructure, texture and tensile properties of Mg-10Sn alloys extruded in different conditions

Indirect extrusion of Mg-10%Sn (mass fraction) alloys was performed at three different working temperatures. The effect of working temperature on the microstructure, texture and tensile properties of the extruded alloys was investigated by optical microscope (OM), scanning electronic microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a standard universal testing machine. Grain size, area fraction of second phase particles and texture of the alloys are found to be significantly influenced by working temperature. The grain size refinement is greatly dependent on processing conditions with the low working temperature being the most effective. While the high working temperature results in a coarser grain size and a stronger fiber texture and the reason for this phenomenon was examined in terms of second phase particle, grain type and dynamic recrystallization mechanism. Tested in the different conditions, the tensile strengths of the Mg-10Sn alloys extruded at the high working temperature are remarkably better than those of the other studied alloys. This significant improvement in tensile properties is mainly due to the particle strengthening and texture strengthening resulted from the more and finer primary dispersed particles and stronger texture, respectively.