Mechanical properties and microstructure evolution in ultrafine-grained AZ31 alloy processed by severe plastic deformation

Commercial MgAlZn alloy AZ31 was processed by two techniques of severe plastic deformation (SPD)—extrusion followed by equal channel angular pressing (EX-ECAP), and high pressure torsion (HPT). Processing by ECAP was conducted at elevated temperature of 180 °C for 1–12 passes following route B_C. HPT was applied at room temperature, and the specimens of the diameter of 19 mm with different number of turns (N = ¼ − 15) were prepared. Mechanical properties and grain fragmentation with strain due to EX-ECAP and HPT were investigated by Vickers microhardness measurements and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Variations in dislocation density were investigated by positron annihilation spectroscopy. Differences in microhardness, grain refinement and dislocation density evolution resulting from principal differences of straining were found in the specimens. EX-ECAP resulted in homogeneous microstructure throughout the specimen's cross section as early as after four passes. On the other hand, laterally inhomogeneous microstructure with gradual reduction of grain sizes from the centre towards the periphery of the disk was observed in specimens after HPT. This microstructure and microhardness inhomogeneities were continuously smeared out and almost homogeneous ultrafine-grained structure was observed in specimen subjected to 15 HPT turns. Variations in mechanical properties and dislocation density evolution were compared in conditions corresponding to the same equivalent strain imposed by both techniques of SPD.