Effect of pre-homogenizing treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-rolled AZ91 magnesium alloys

To improve the homogeneity and rolling formability of as-cast AZ91 magnesium, the effects of pre-homogenizing treatment on microstructure evolution, deformation mechanism, mechanical properties and tensile fracture morphology of hot-rolled AZ91 magnesium alloy were studied. The results showed that the amount of coarse β-Mg17Al12 phase decreases dramatically, being distributed along the grain boundaries as small strips after homogenizing. Twining plays a dominant role in the deformation mechanism of AZ91 alloys in the experimental condition, while dynamic recrystallization (DRX) considerably occurred in homogenized-rolled alloys, contributed to microstructure uniformity and β-Mg17Al12 phase precipitated refinement. The tensile strength of homogenized-rolled AZ91 alloys increases dramatically with elongation declining slightly in contrast to homogenized alloys. The fracture surface of homogenized-rolled specimen exhibits more ductile fracture with the manifestation of a large amount of dimples distributing higher density in matrix, while the micro cracks are prone to initiate around the Mg/Mg17Al12 phase interface and grain boundaries owing to the fragile interface bonding of two phases.