Anisotropic plastic deformation behavior of as-extruded ZK60 magnesium alloy at room temperature

The anisotropic plastic deformation behavior of as-extruded ZK60 magnesium alloy at room temperature (RT) was investigated by compressive and tensile testing in different directions, i.e. the loading axis oriented at 0°, 45° and 90° to the extrusion direction. The relationship between texture and plastic deformation behavior were examined. The results show that the extruded ZK60 alloy exhibits a strong ring fiber texture. The mechanical properties are strongly orientation dependent. In tension testing, the 0° specimen exhibited higher yield strength and lower elongation. In compression testing, however, ZK60 alloy exhibited almost the same yield strength in three directions. The anisotropic plastic deformation behavior is due to strong fiber texture and the lower symmetry of the hexagonal close packed (hcp) structure of ZK60 alloy. The correlation between texture and mechanical behaviour offers the possibility to improve the mechanical properties of magnesium alloy by optimization of the material production process.