Microstructure and mechanical properties of ZM6 magnesium alloy produced by extrusion of machined chips

The microstructure and room temperature mechanical properties of a ZM6 magnesium alloy produced by extrusion of machined chips were investigated. The tensile properties of the material were evaluated for the magnesium alloy in a series of tempers, including as cast, cast-T6, as extruded, extruded-T4, extruded-T5 and extruded-T6 conditions. Refined grains and broken particles during hot extrusion were attained. All the extruded alloy tempers showed better tensile properties than the cast alloy. The extruded-T4 alloy exhibited the best elongation to failure. The aging treatment resulted in an increase in tensile yield strength and ultimate tensile strength because of the dispersive particles or the fine precipitates. The morphology of the fracture surfaces was examined using scanning electron microscope.