Influence of Pre‐Solution Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg–Gd–Nd–Zn–Zr Alloy Processed by ECAP

Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) works as a useful method for microstructure refinement and strength hardening. Billets of the as‐cast and solution‐treated Mg–Gd–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy are processed by ECAP to investigate influence of pre‐solution treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy. The average grain size is refined from 80 to 1.5 µm after eight passes at 375 °C. Both yield stress and ultimate tensile strength of the alloy in two conditions are improved after multi‐pass ECAP. The retained broken eutectics as well as precipitation produced during ECAP may provide a stronger strength. Compared to the as‐cast alloy, solution‐treated alloy possesses higher elongation after ECAP. The variation in strength and ductility can be explained by the texture modification and microstructure evolution.