Hot deformation of Mg-Y-Zn alloy with a low content of the LPSO phase studied by in-situ synchrotron radiation diffraction

The compressive deformation behavior of the extruded WZ42 (Mg98.5Y1Zn0.5 in at.%) magnesium alloy containing a low amount of long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase was studied by in-situ synchrotron radiation diffraction technique. Tests were conducted at temperatures between room temperature and 350 °C. Detailed microstructure investigation was provided by scanning electron microscopy, particularly the backscattered electron imaging and electron backscatter diffraction technique. The results show that twinning lost its dominance and kinking of the LPSO phase became more pronounced with increasing deformation temperature. No cracks of the LPSO phase and no debonding r at the interface between the LPSO phase and the Mg matrix were observed at temperatures above 200 °C. At 350 °C, the LPSO phase lost its strengthening effect and the deformation of the alloy was mainly realized by the dynamic recrystallization of the Mg matrix.